The Fuwa Dolls are Han's creations and were used in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. (Photo : Getty Images)
The artist who created the Fuwa Dolls for the 2008 Beijing Olympics will start a global tour. He is Han Meilin and he is 79 years old.
Han's tour will go through Italy, France and end in China. He will be bringing his rock paintings and "The Sealed Book," or a collection of ancient Chinese symbols.
Exhibition of his work will be in Venice University on Oct. 27 and is called the "Han Meilin Art Global Tour Exhibition." The showcase will have a theme of "heaven and earth"
In the exhibition, Han will display his manuscripts, sculptures, two-dimensional works, and wood carvings. These pieces of work are part of various collections from "rock painting" to "The Sealed Book."
When asked about touring at his old age, he said that he will not mind the exhaustion and is very excited.
"I drew 64 different designs of cow head within 20 minutes. My inspiration will not wither even in the following 200 years," he said.
Zhao Li, a professor from the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) said that Han's work is symbolic of the progression on Chinese culture through the ages. However, the current exhibition will focus on the modern, oriental and thematic pieces.
Han is one of China's most respected artists. He was known to have suffered severely during the Chinese revolution, where he was tortured and his thumbs were smashed and broken.
He has exhibitions around the world and in countries like Canada, Malaysia, Hongkong and India. In 1999, he spoke at Yale University.
He was named UNESCO Artist For Peace in Oct. 2015.
In a statement, the UNESCO said, "In recognition of his long-term commitment to promoting art and artistic education in China, his support to providing quality education to young people, notably through projects led by the Han Meilin Art Foundation, and his dedication to the ideals and aims of the Organization."
