In 2005, Chao began to conceive of what has become his classic “Flower Card” series. In this series, he used large-scale flower cards of local folk festivals, together with meaningful words, reflecting the local social conditions in different periods.
For Mr. Chau, the most important element in the creative process is an honest reflection of the immediate environment and instinctual emotions. The foundation of his artwork is based upon a trove of cultural iconography that is highly symbolic of traditional Chinese culture. So using the historical treasures of Chinese heritage to inform the framework of his art is a core value of his compositions. This series has resulted from an extended period of meditation and the creative journey is often fraught with difficulties. The process begins with an indistinct concept, followed by a journey of reflections and re-interpretations in search of the most relevant expression.
