Artist reimagines Ming landscape series
Print Edition
THE Dongzhuang painting cycle by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) master Shen Zhou is the inspiration for a series of works by contemporary artist Xiao Gu.
These images by Xiao are now on view through November 29 in a solo exhibition entitled “The Dongzhuang Paintings: From Shen Zhou to Xiao Gu,” at the Shanghai Painting and Sculpture Museum.
While the real-life setting of the 21 surviving Dongzhuang paintings has long been a matter of debate, Xiao, after several years of research, believes he has tracked down the location immortalized by Shen.
“It is quite near here. Dongzhuang was actually at the site of today’s Suzhou University,” Xiao said. “I studied some ancient maps and materials, and finally got my answer.”
According to Xiao, the actual Dongzhuang was a large estate that served as a gathering place for Chinese literati and scholars. What’s more, as Xiao sees it, the images themselves reflect the spirit of China’s ancient intellectuals as well as Shen’s own reclusive nature.
For Xiao, Shen’s ethereal landscapes provided fertile ground for his artistic imagination.
“For me, Shen Zhou’s Dongzhuang paintings echo my passion toward the pure spiritual world,” Xiao said.
According to the artist, delving into the historical and textual resources related to Dongzhuang inspired a yearning for this long-lost place. It was this feeling which inspired him to recreate this vanished setting.
Using pale, elegant hues and multi-media techniques Xiao conjured his own idealized Dongzhuang.
Xiao’s exhibition is divided into two sections. The first features 22 works based on original ink-wash works from Shen. The second section includes 38 works, wherein Xiao attempts to reinterpret and recreate Dongzhuang.
These 60 pieces represent much of Xiao’s output over the past decade.
“I don’t regret isolating myself in the studio for these many years. Dongzhuang didn’t disappear. In fact, luckily I found it in my own spiritual garden.”
Date: Through November 29, 9am-4pm
Address: 111 Jinzhu Rd
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