Adam Shen Xudong / 沈旭东（ b.1965)

Purple aura coming from the east
紫气东来
Chinese Ink on Rice Paper/宣纸水墨画
138 x 69 cm

Purple Aura Coming from the East (紫气东来) is a symbolic Chinese painting that represents the arrival of good fortune and positive energy. The title refers to a well-known legend in which a mystical purple aura, seen rising from the east, foretold the coming of the sage Laozi, marking an auspicious event. In Chinese culture, purple symbolizes nobility, wisdom, and divine blessings, while the east is often linked with new beginnings and vitality.

The painting portrays a breathtaking dawn scene, where a soft purple glow spreads across the sky, merging with the golden rays of the rising sun. The ethereal purple aura seems to drift from the horizon, carried by delicate clouds, filling the atmosphere with a sense of mystery and spiritual promise. Below the sky, the landscape of rolling mountains and peaceful rivers reflects the tranquil energy of the scene, with mist rising from the valleys, creating a dreamlike quality.

Through the interplay of light and color, the artwork evokes feelings of renewal, hope, and spiritual awakening. The gentle, flowing composition mirrors the flow of positive energy, while the purple aura serves as a powerful symbol of auspicious beginnings and the arrival of blessings from the heavens

Artist Description

Adam Shen Xudong 沈旭东: A Renowned Master of Ink Painting and Calligraphy

Adam Shen Xudong, (b. 1965), is the founder of Sims Arts Academy Pte. Ltd. in Singapore. Together with his family, he established Sims Galleria to promote high art forms such as Chinese ink painting and calligraphy, which have garnered widespread admiration from the public.

Born in Shantou City (Swatow), Adam hails from a family with a long tradition in painting and calligraphy. His grandfather was a peranakan from Southeast Asia, with his influence, Adam began learning calligraphy and painting at a young age, eventually studying under renowned art masters.

He further honed his skills at the China Academy of Art, where he developed profound traditional techniques in landscape, bird-and-flower and figure painting.

Adam holds several esteemed positions in the art world: he is a director of the Chinese Artists Association, Chinese Calligraphers Association, the Shantou Overseas Friendship Association and a member of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce. His works are highly prized by collectors across Southeast Asia, Europe, and America.