latest series
门 Mén
Sān lián huà
DOOR
triptych
3 views of 3 doors in 3 positions in the Forbidden City on 3rd January. The Mén san lian hua, Door triptych, explores the deep duality and symbolism of both the number three and the door in Chinese culture, traditionally representative of transition, protection and the boundary between realms of existence.
capturing the forbidden city
Since his first visit to Beijing in 1994 Roger Adamson has been fascinated with the history, architecture and symbolism of the Chinese capital and its famous Forbidden City. Having witnessed the sweeping changes to the country and its capital over more than thirty years it was his visit in the first days of January 2018 which allowed him to capture unique images of a Forbidden City unusually empty of crowds.
In the bright, bitter cold of January 3rd the almost eerily quiet Forbidden City encouraged reflection and exploration beyond the familiar magnificence of the ceremonial grand palaces of the outer court, to the north across the Gate of Heavenly Purity to the inner court. This silent, hidden world of the inner palace, where emperors lived with their families is comparatively humble. A place of seclusion and insulation that rings with the echoes of the past, its doors and courtyards suggest the duality of the lives lived in the Forbidden City – often from birth to death. This poignant and unusual visit was the inspiration for the 门 Mén sān lián huà, or Door triptych.
supporting the next generation of chinese artists
Keen to understand and support the next generation of China’s artists, Roger also spent time during his visit with local Beijing artists and teachers viewing the latest exhibition by college students, and purchasing a number of works for his UK home. Pictured here with the exhibition organiser, teacher and local artist, and his family together with artworks from the exhibition.
门 Mén. Sān lián huà
The Door Triptych.
roger adamson
Leading Figurative Line Artist.
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