Chinese Tradition in Western Oil Paintings

Description

Sun Museum’s new exhibition Chinese Tradition in Western Oil features 46 oil paintings dating from the early 20th century to the present day, including works by the legendary female painter Pan Yu-lin, the “Matisse of the East” Ding Yan-yong, the “Three Musketeers” in Paris (Wu Guan-zhong, Chu Teh-chun and Zao Wou-ki) along with Shen Ping, Lam Man-kong, and other contemporary painters in Hong Kong.

Western oil painting has long been popular among Chinese painters, and the works by these artists often feature elements of traditional Chinese paintings. Their portrayal of figures focuses on essence rather than form while landscapes emphasise interpretation rather than reality. Oil paint is employed to draw calligraphic lines and depict local livelihood, demonstrating these painters’ scholarly temperament and Chinese heritage.

The works this exhibition feature demonstrate how the 24 artists from different periods manipulate Western oil to express the oriental essence of Chinese art, breaking aesthetic conventions and starting a movement of innovation with a touch of tradition.