“Color is light, time and space. Color is not the past, it is a continuous present.”

Howard Qiu’s painting music was inspired by the works and writings of Paul Klee and Wassily Kandinsky. It is based on a system in which the rhythm, melody and harmony of music are expressed through textures, colors and forms found in painting. He delves into the sensory commonalities between visual art and music by exploring the visual and auditory, organically linking the two senses, thereby expanding human perception in color, melody and rhythm. He has devised a unique coding system that he uses to embed a melody into each of his paintings.

His symphonies of color convey images, creative thoughts and emotions, but ultimately they are meant to inspire, connect humanity and elevate the human spirit in a universal, melodic and magical way.

Alan Ritchie, the design principal of PJ>AR Architects, P.C. worked with the iconic architect Philip Johnson for over 25 years. Johnson retired in 2004, and under Alan’s leadership, the firm has continued to maintain his legacy in creating projects that are both functional and aesthetically innovative. Alan views architecture as an art form cleverly crafting geometrical shapes and sculptural forms to create buildings into habitable sculptures; each building respectful of scale, proportion and meticulous detail in its appearance.

Based on Alan Ritchie’s thinking of “buildings as sculpture for living” and Howard Qiu’s painting music idea, they are collaborating to create a children’s museum that will feature Howard’s musical paintings which also use architectural forms and shapes. These paintings will be displayed in designated areas inside the museum enabling visitors to experience various musical genres. His painting music concept will also be utilized on the exterior of this colorful cutting edge complex.