The 6th Annual Beijing International Art Biennale

I was not present in person but in spirit. The painting submitted represented a collage of four beautiful pieces put together depicting the title 'Memory & Dream.' This annual exhibition saw thousands of visitors including curators, gallery owners, ambassadors, journalists etc and had a participating rate of over 3,000 artists from 85 different countries worldwide.

I was lucky to be selected although showcasing my work to thousands of people in Asia is nothing new to me. Thanks to the Shanghai Exposition in 2010. I craved another similar opportunity.

To understand the Chinese dream one may first ask themselves just what is the Chinese dream? Is it similar to the American dream? Persons who are more familiar with the American dream may question the logistics of this dream and persons who have pursued any dream at all will know how tiresome it can be to fulfill that dream and just how difficult it takes from the individual who believes in its existence.

Be it the dream of becoming a famous artist, having sufficient money to build a house and own a car, living in a world free of terror, poverty, a world that is equal with adequate access to medical care, clearer skies or whatever that may be, there is one thing for sure, everyone wants the good life.

According to CNN, Chinese President Xi Jinping who created this catchphrase, said in March in his keynote speech to the National People’s Congress soon after his formal appointment as president said: “We must make persistent efforts, press ahead with indomitable will, continue to push forward the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and strive to achieve the Chinese Dream of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”

China in recent times as we all know has been the topic of discussion across the globe simply because China has exerted her presence internationally, opened her doors to the outside world and is rising with vigour on the world stage. Her economy has risen faster than researchers predicted. China even has a voice in International Organizations and plays a major part in NGO’s. Foreign aid is now considered a great way to wield soft power. China has found a way to include the Chinese characteristics in every part of her policies and makes her presence known internationally as a responsible global player.

Coming from Grenada, an island with 110,000 people, I cannot express how appreciative I am of having spent 6 years in Chinese Universities and I can proudly say that China has offered me something that no other country in the world has. I have found my dream right here and I need not go anywhere else.

Before coming to China, I was stressed, wondering how I can afford to study in the USA where the American dream calls out loudly from the shores of the bay surrounding our tiny island. I see people give up everything they have just to live in her promising city, even if it meant working for minimum wages. I knew I deserved better. I chose a path that was unknown and it rewarded me. Today I want to ask what path have you chosen?

The path to China is less travelled, presents more obstacles but it is rewarding. I have found my dream among the pollution, among the crowd, among the communist ideology, among the language barrier, among people of different skin colour because I knew that if I searched deeper I will find a country that is willing to listen, to change for the better, to have an international voice and to act responsibly.

As a self-taught artist, the dream is clearer for me than many. I can feel it, taste it and see it. My memories of China are what stayed with me long after I returned home. Those very memories are the reasons why I moved there for the second time and I do not doubt there will be a third or fourth. I found a way to put those memories onto four pieces of canvas, which multiplied into one large painting. A painting that says there is a fine line between your memories and your dreams. For your memories are what pushes you to dream bigger and your dreams are what pushes you to collect better memories along the way.

China is reaching out to the world to meet her half way because China is keen on solving the problems of this world and to fulfil the dreams of many in a fair and equal way. No country should be left out. In fact the developing countries are the foundation of China’s foreign policy. It is ok to dream but we should all dream with fairness and consideration for the person next to us. What use are dreams if we hurt people in its pursuit? What good is a dream if people die along the way? What good is a dream if some of our brothers are left to starve? I am happy to say, China seeks to bring a smile on the faces of the least of us.

The Chinese dream will no longer be a new terminology to identify with or try to decipher. It will be one to admire and respect so tell the person next to you, “China is no longer a sleeping dragon.” I am happy to be here and I want you to know that it is genuine. This is a huge leap of fame in my art career and again China is responsible.

I encourage everyone to pursue an unselfish dream and cherish memories. Share them with your friends, loved ones and even strangers. Join hands and hearts and together we can make the world a better place. This I must say is the ultimate dream. A dream that was once small and lay in the hands of each of us, yet when merged together becomes a greater vision for a greater good.

Memory and Dream