Los Altos, CA – The Los Altos History Museum is proud to honor long-time resident and internationally renowned artist, Hau Beiren, in a solo retrospective exhibition beginning October 13 in the main exhibit gallery. Many in the community know him as Paul Hau. Paul and Mary Hau moved from China to Los Altos in 1962 with their young son and daughter. At a recent Museum reception honoring his 100th birthday, the couple affirmed their love for Los Altos and their desire to never leave. Their home and gardens combined with the welcoming community have been central to his evolution as a painter.
Master Hau’s “Old Apricot Villa” home in north Los Altos has been the major inspiration for his ground-breaking work uniting Chinese ink tradition with modern Western artistic techniques. The artist’s personal seal (chop) incorporates the words “Old Apricot Villa” in recognition that his home was built in a former apricot orchard.
This retrospective exhibition focuses on the artistic development of his work from traditional Chinese ink brush-painting to the introduction of vivid color to dramatic and bold abstract representation. Master Hau’s unique and innovative “splash ink and color” painting style integrates both Eastern and Western aesthetics. In addition, the Museum will offer programs for adults that provide deeper insights into his inspirations and hands-on activities that allow children to engage their artistic imagination. Mark Johnson, MFA, Director of the Fine Arts Gallery at San Francisco State University and Professor of Art will guest curate the retrospective. He has curated art shows and written books detailing past and present Asian American art.
Hau Beiren’s work has been exhibited and collected in the US and internationally including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Jose Museum of Art, National Art Museum of China, Nanjing Museum, Zheijiang Art Museum and Austria Museum of Art. This summer his recent work was featured at Casa dei Carraresi in Treviso, Italy near Venice. Since 1972, his gallery at 334 State Street has featured his work as well as fine porcelain curated by Mary Hau.
This special exhibit will be on display October 13 to November 13. Community members are encouraged to attend the free Opening Reception on Sunday, October 16, from 2-4 pm.
The Los Altos History Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing local history to enrich our community and to shape a more informed future. Both the Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are located on one of the last active apricot orchards in the Santa Clara Valley. The 1905 shingled farmhouse, built with many Craftsman-style features, was our first museum, opened in 1977. In the spring of 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened in a modern, impressive three-level, 8,200-square-foot building, built entirely with private donations. Ownership was transferred to the City of Los Altos in 2002.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
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Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Laura Bajuk, ED, 650-948-9427 x10, lbajuk@losaltoshistory.org
