In this ambitious debut exhibition showing no less than 53 works, the Beijing based, Chinese painter, introduces her work. Never has ‘still life’ been so infused with movement as in the work of Ai Qin. Flowers have been cut and fruits picked, but it is not death or endings that resonate when we look at these pictures. Instead, as creases in fabric appear to slither or writhe away, as fruits roll and flowers sway, these are scenes teaming with life that awaken our senses and initiate new journeys. Across all of her work, Ai Qin highlights the simple truth. This is, that in an abundant and constantly rejuvenating cycle, nature generously and freely provides us with endless physical and spiritual nourishment. 

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As foolish and blind humans however, we still hanker after and crave for more. Why, we must ask, do we in fact need anything other than all that nature provides with grace a plenty? The answer is that we do not, and Ai Qin knows this. By giving slow and patient attention to the intricate details of fruits and flowers - similar to the care and concentration she has always devoted to kitting and preparing food - a cosmic communication takes place; the strands of life pulsating outwards reach towards an understanding of the greater movements within the universe at large...