Cherie Chen The Night Visitors Of Dragon Hall

Born inThailand, the third generation of Chinese immigrants, and now living in Norwich,Cherie was greatly influenced by her mothers love of Chinese folktales as a child, and it was she who took Cherie to see Chinese Opera performances at a young age. The bold make-up and extravagant costumes, especially the jewelled helmets with pheasant feathers, as well as the stylized acrobatic movements, had deeply intrigued and fascinated Cherie. Opera performers trained from around 7 years of age, starting with acrobatics. All roles were restricted to males until 1906. This print was made for my first open studio, celebrating Chinese New Year 2018 in Norwich. I love dragons, both Chinese and English. Dragon Hall is the perfect building for my set scene with its beautiful medieval features and its history of merchant trading with the outside world. The Chinese dragon is a spiritual and cultural symbol that represents prosperity and good luck. It was also a symbol for many Chinese emperors in the past.  My mother told me that girls cannot ride dragons, and that I should draw a boy riding the dragon instead! And so here's the print, my 21st century tale of a girl riding a Chinese dragon, embarking on adventures from China, arriving at Dragon Hall in Norwich.