Contemporary Chinese Seals by Li Lanquing

Seals have been symbols of identity and authority in China for more than 2,500 years.

Seals are artistically engraved with Chinese characters (words) or sometimes pictures and used by pressing them into an oily red paste and then stamping them on documents or artworks to leave their mark. Seals have served as commanding emblems of identity and authority in China for thousands of years.

Li Lanqing (b.1932) is a prolific seal carver and calligrapher, who previously served as Vice Premier of the State Council of China from 1993 to 2003. In his retirement, Li has been instrumental in bringing about a dramatic transformation in the arts to return the traditional practices of seal carving and calligraphy to their previous popularity enjoyed in the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
The themes that Li’s seals address are revealing about his own life as well as the history of progressive movements in twentieth-century China.

Affordable Art Fair Hampstead 2012

from Lahd Gallery's blog...

This years Affordable Art Fair Hampstead looks set to impress with exhibits from over 100 galleries, including an exciting collection from Lahd Gallery for the first time! 

The Affordable Art Fair prides itself on its accessibility and friendly 
atmosphere, and caters for everyone from first time buyers to avid collectors.  Not only will there be a huge range of art to see but the event will also be packed full of activities including education programmes, workshops and talks.




Our confirmed artists so far are: 

Irini Gonou, a Greek artist whose work portrays elements of healing and protection within ancient traditions from different cultures. Gonou's work is created using raw materials, and brings the viewer back to ancient times of rituals and beliefs.




Hamid Naseer who through calligraphy looks for new inventive ways to represent colour through observing several works from the famous and renowned calligraphic artists. Hamid Naseer feels that the art of calligraphy has enabled him to connect to the unspoken secrets of life.






French artist Julien Breton, who has developed his own unique form of virtual calligraphy, based on a Latin-style alphabet and inspired by an Arabic and Eastern aesthetic. With a multi-cultural take on calligraphy, Breton’s work incorporates the cultural identity and style of East and West, often taking inspiration from western philosophy, hip hop and street art.



Nabeela Al Khayer, through her paintings she celebrates femininity. Al Khayer's use of warm colours and disjointed yet expressive portraits create a truly unique style.

From up and coming artists to some of the biggest names in contemporary art there really will be something for everyone, we hope you can attend!

AAF Hampstead will run from 1st - 4th November 2012