Master’s daughter shares collection, art vision and personal story
Print Edition
FOR many people in China, Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), one of the best-known and most prodigious Chinese artists of the 20th century, is a household name. But for Zhang’s 88-year-old daughter, Zhang Xinrui, this towering figure in Chinese art was a loving father.
Now, Zhang Xinrui has offered up nearly 100 works created by her father, his students and peers, for a special exhibition at the Long Museum West Bund. The show, which runs through July 12, features some works that have never before been seen by the public.
“Witnessing the vicissitudes of the century, I think it is time to share them with the public,” says the younger Zhang, who now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
One highlight of the exhibition is an ink-wash painting titled “Lotus,” created by Zhang at the age of 83. This work is also one of his daughter’s personal favorites.
Born in a family of artists in Neijiang, Sichuan Province, a young Zhang Daqian studied textile-dyeing techniques in Kyoto, Japan. He later returned to China, establishing a successful career selling his paintings in Shanghai.
In 1940 he led a group of artists to Dunhuang, in northwest China’s Gansu Province, to study the Buddhist wall painting in the Mogao and Yulin grottoes.
Zhang left China in 1949. This precipitated a period of extensive travel for the artist, who resided in various places such as Mendoza, Argentina; São Paulo, Mogi das Cruzes; Brazil, Carmel and California, US, before finally returning and settling in Taiwan in 1978.
The painter’s departure also separated him from his family. Zhang had four wives and more than 10 children, five of whom he left on the Chinese mainland.
Zhang Xinrui was one of them. It was not until 1963 that she was able to meet Zhang again in Hong Kong.
“I still clearly remember every detail for that meeting,” says Zhang Xinrui with wet eyes. She was later able to travel with her father to Brazil, where they lived for a year. According to her, the master wanted her to stay in Brazil, but with a husband and children waiting for her in China, she returned in 1964.
She never saw her father again.
“I and my family arrived in Hong Kong in 1983 after hearing of the death of my father. We waited for a week in Hong Kong but we still couldn’t go to Taiwan at that time.”
It was another two years before she was able to visit her father’s tomb in Taiwan.
Originally known as a guohua (traditional) painter, deteriorating eyesight led Zhang to take up a bolder, more expressive style. By the 1960s he was renowned as a modern impressionist. In addition, he is regarded as one of the most gifted art forgers of the 20th century.
“I admired my father so much in the area of art,” says Zhang Xinrui, who is also a painter. “He was never satisfied in art, and was continuously absorbing new things into his work. The mural caves in Dunhuang had great influence on his art.”
In her eyes, Zhang could be strict but generous, especially with the young artists who sought his tutelage.
“Our family prohibited smoking, drinking and gambling, and my father was quite keen on etiquette. At the same time, he taught all he knew to his students. He would often purchase ancient paintings to show to his students.”
Another highlight of the exhibition is a special qipao made for Zhang Ruixin which features a black lotus pattern painted by her father.
“I feel that my father is still living in these paintings and these items,” she says.
Date: Through July 12, 10am-6pm
Address: 3398 Longteng Ave
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