Rather than copying Eastern or Western art, many artists are exploring their own unique style."Bie Yang" ("Original"), the opening exhibition at Smart Gallery, features work by five artists that combine both East and West.

About 40 works by oil painter Yi Zhou, print maker Sang Maolin, ink-wash painter Yang Binhui, bronze sculptor Wang Xieda and sculptor Eleonora Tugues Plaza from Venezuela are displayed through July 21.

Bie yang, or originality, expresses the unique qualities that differentiate one's creations from others.

"The five artists have been influenced by their own culture and the world they grew up in and not the influence recently inherited from the West," says Mimi Mirna A Santos, who works for the gallery. "They have their own thoughts delivered in their works. And that's why we named the exhibition 'Bie Yang'."

Artist Yi relies on his deep Chinese roots and upbringing to express himself. The lotus is one of his favorite themes.

"Unlike flamboyant blooms, the quiet lotus is always compared to junzi (gentleman) in Chinese culture," says Yi. "Though growing from mud, it maintains its pure, unpolluted appearance. Its simplicity and elegance is what I convey."

Simple composition characterizes Yi's works. He uses black, gray and white in his "Silhouette of Lotus" series. A lotus leaf rises in the water, and waves in a gentle breeze. At a distance it looks like a traditional Chinese ink-wash painting; on closer inspection, it is clear that the detail of water reflecting sunlight can only be achieved by oil.

"I am trying to mesh contemporary artistry with traditional Chinese culture to create a sense of wonder that cannot be expressed explicitly in words," says Yi.

Yan is a pioneer in modern Chinese ink-wash painting. His work has evolved from traditional painting and calligraphy, evoking a sense of elegance and innovation through the combination of ink, water and brush technique.

He adds elements of traditional philosophy. He depicts an empty bottle in his "Zen of Emptiness." When the bottle is empty, he says, you can put anything into it. Just as in Buddhist philosophy - all is nothing and nothing is all. When you don't have anything, you may have the world already.

Wood-cut artist Sang also expresses his philosophy, using a chisel and knife. In his works, he portrays himself as a fish or a chair, lost, alone and out of place. Where to go and what to do is the pressing question for lost individuals.

The Smart Gallery has striking red doors that open into a contemporary art world. Its bie yang feel is the perfect place to host this "Original" exhibition.