【News Agency America, Los Angeles】Alex Wei's 『The Universe within Us』 Charity Photography Exhibition was successfully held in Los Angeles from July 29th to 31st. On the 31st, California State Senator Bob Archuleta delegated District Representative Kyle Miller, former Walnut Mayor and current City Councilman Allen Wu, and others to congratulate and present congratulatory letters.

 

The event was co-organized by Alex Wei and Lions Clubs International's Multiple District MD4-L2 of California. MD4-L2's current District Governor Angel Pei delegated San Gabriel District Chair Angie Yang to attend the event, expressing her admiration for Alex Wei's photographic talent and commitment to public welfare, and expressing her desire for further collaboration in the future. Nearly 100 guests from Southern California's arts community, overseas Chinese community, and academic community attended the event on the 31st.

Alex Wei (right) and Angie Yang (left), San Gabriel District Chairperson of Lions Clubs International Multiple District MD4-L2 of California

 

As a dedicated astronomy enthusiast, Alex Wei explained that this charity photography exhibition features 25 pieces of works, all of which will be sold for charity and fundraising. The exhibition aims to raise funds to purchase telescopes for several public middle and high schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area. He also hopes that this fundraising event will instill a genuine passion for astronomy in more young people and convey a message to the next generation: “When you're busy, anxious, or frustrated, remember to look up at the stars. Remember, we are but insignificant dust drifting in the universe, so relax and enjoy this extraordinary miracle of existence.”

 

Alex Wei also noted that the works on display are all portraits, focusing on three main themes: Astronomy and space, Chinese culture, and European Art. The styles primarily feature sci-fi, Chinese, and Western influences. He hopes that visitors will enjoy the exhibition and actively subscribe to purchases to contribute to the charity.

Alex Wei gave remarks

 

Alex Wei, whose Chinese name is “Wei Zichen”，is a senior at the Webb Schools of California. He introduced: “My photography journey began in third grade, when I purchased my first camera and a telescope lens, which enabled me to photograph planets and distant stars. Since then, I have become intrigued with photography, particularly astrophotography. I would drive and trek to rural regions every weekend to record star trails, asteroid rains, the Milky Way, and nebulae. As a habitual early sleeper, only the prospect of photographing the stars could keep me wide awake at 3 am.”

 

Alex Wei added: “In seventh grade, as I got to interact more professionals in the industry, I realized that photography is much more than simply crafting aesthetically pleasing art and satiating my imagination through creative process; it’s a powerful way of storytelling and an effective tool to evoke reflection and change—and the best way to narrate my perspective and outlook is through portraits. Therefore, I started taking photos of people. At first, it was just simple, unedited pictures of my friends and family. As I familiarized myself with this genre, more nuance and intricacies materialized in these modest photos. I designed special costumes, included a variety of props, collaborated with make-up artists, and added fictional design elements in post-editing—all these work together to outline my unique style of portrait photography that you see today.”

Angie Wang，San Gabriel District Chairperson of Lions Clubs International Multiple District MD4-L2 of California，gave remarks

 

On behalf of Lions Clubs International's Multiple District MD4-L2 of California current District Governor Angel Pei, San Gabriel Area Chairperson Angie Yang dedicated significant time and effort to co-organizing this charity photography exhibition.

 

Angie Yang expressed Lions Clubs International's strong support for this event and praised Alex Wei's photographic talent and commitment to public welfare. She also expressed Lions Clubs International's willingness to continue collaborating with Alex Wei on similar exhibitions and charity sales in the future to benefit more schools and youth.

Kyle Miller, California Senator Bob Archuleta's district representative, gave remarks 

 

California Senator Bob Archuleta's district representative, Kyle Miller, read out the senator's words of praise for the charity photography exhibition and Alex Wei: 

 

“In recognition of your extraordinary vision and creativity in curating 『The Universe within Us』 photography exhibition - a compelling display that not only captures the wonder of the cosmos but also inspires the next generation of scientists, dreamers, and explorers.

Your dedication to using art as a force for good, raising funds to donate telescopes to local middle and high schools, exemplifies the powerful intersection of creativity, education, and community service.

On behalf of the Thirtieth Senate District in the State of California, thank you for all you do for the community. ”

Kyle Miller presented a congratulatory letter on behalf of California Senator Bob Archuleta

Allen Wu, former mayor of Walnut and current city council member, delivered remarks

 

In his speech, former Walnut Mayor and current City Councilman Allen Wu praised Alex Wei for successfully integrating photography and astronomy to create a groundbreaking artistic creation. He also commended his selfless act of donating his work for a charity sale to benefit other schools and students.

 

Councilman Wu also congratulated and wished the charity photography exhibition a complete success, and hoped that Alex Wei would continue to improve his academic and artistic skills, and make greater contributions to public welfare and society.

Allen Wu, former mayor of Walnut and current city council member, presented a congratulatory letter

Alex Wei was interviewed by media

Alex Wei (Right）and mother

 

Alex Wei's mother served as the model for several of the works on display. She explained that Alex Wei's interest in astronomy began at a young age, and his initial photographs focused on the starry sky and landscapes. With her suggestion and encouragement, he gradually transitioned to portraiture, incorporating multiple elements, and his fascination with it grew.

 

As a mother, she fully supports her son's hobbies and interests, and even became a model herself. She revealed that each piece is the result of countless hours of painstaking effort, including conception, design, makeup, photography, and post-production. She is happy and proud that her son has reached his current level of skill and hopes he will continue to strive for even greater success.

Alex Wei (right) with Peng Nanlin (left), vice president of the North American Chinese Writers Association, and art work "Celadon Butterfly"

 

On the 31st, Peng Nanlin, Vice President of the North American Chinese Writers Association, became the first donor and selected the work “Celadon Butterfly”. He emphasized the work's color expression, scene selection, and overall quality of finish. Inspired by his donation, many guests also generously donated and selected their favorite works.

《The Song of Theseus》, a novella by Alex Wei

 

A book signing ceremony for Alex Wei's novella 《The Song of Theseus》 was also held that day.

 

According to the book, 《The Song of Theseus》 blends astrophysical concepts, ethical philosophy, and ancient cosmic mythology. It is a coming-of-age science fiction adventure and an ode to the universe, memory, and a mother who illuminates a decadent world.

Alex Wei signed copies of his novella 《The Song of Theseus》for guests

Alex Wei's mother appears in the astronomy and space-themed work 《Cosmic Opera》

Alex Wei's mother appeared in the astronomy and space-themed work《Satellite Queen》

《Celadon Butterfly》, an art work of Chinese culture

《The Bride Behind the Curtain》，an art work of Chinese culture

《Melody Weaver》, an art work of European culture

《Autumn Whispers》, an art work of European culture

Alex Wei introduced art works

Alex Wei introduced title poster of 『The Universe within Us』 Charity Photography Exhibition