Dreams of Chinese Painters

Description

22 artists across different genres and periods are featured, including the “Four Monks” of the early Qing Dynasty such as Bada Shanren and Shitao, advocates of the reformation of Chinese painting in the early 20th century such as Gao Jianfu and Xu Beihong, and celebrated masters who made remarkable breakthroughs within tradition such as Qi Baishi and Zhang Daqian.

A highlight of the exhibition is Shitao’s “Scenery of Tiaoxi” which stands over 3.5 metres high. It depicts Mi Fu, a famous calligrapher of the Northern Song Dynasty, travelling to Tiaoxi to visit a friend, and illustrates Mi Fu’s “Tiaoxi Poems” within the painting. Xu Beihong’s “Pine” is based on Western realistic sketching techniques, with the aim of reforming traditional Chinese painting. In the work “Cock and Cockscomb”, Qi Baishi skillfully conveys the auspicious meaning of rising in official rank. Zhang Daqian employed vibrant colour and ink-splashing techniques to create his dream-like “Autumn Landscape”. These artists compiled their own experiences and wishes into painted dreams to express their own thoughts and feelings.

Guided tours are available in Cantonese, English and Mandarin at specific times, and by appointment only. Please click here for the registration. Please note that the exhibition will be temporarily closed from 3pm to 5pm on 27 July due to cultural lectures.