Printmaker carves out new path in painting
Print Edition
PANG Haiyan is a multi-talented artist who began her career as a woodcut print-maker before changing her focus to painting. Those in Shanghai can admire Pang’s skills as a painter at the Shanghai Hongqiao Contemporary Art Museum, where dozens of her canvases are now on display in a solo exhibition that runs through December 15.
A native of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Pang graduated from the print-making department at the Guangxi Art Academy in 1996. She later branched into painting while continuing her studies at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in early 2000s.
Pang’s images are dominated by tropical and subtropical landscapes, while also reflecting the artist’s deep appreciation of nature and the beauty of the female form.
Shanghai Daily recently spoke with Pang to discuss her work, her inspiration and path-breaking career.
Q: You were engaged in woodcut print carving for many years, but this exhibition focuses on your canvas works. When did you start to seriously pursue painting?
A: It was in 2003 when I was still studying at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. I just wanted to try another medium.
Q: In your eyes, what are the differences between the two art forms?
A: The emotional expression and spiritual pursuit are almost the same in these two different media, but the techniques are different due to the materials.
Q: You grew up in Guangxi, a region filled with the customs and culture of ethnic minority groups. Are your works influenced by that local environment?
A: Sure. Different environments always give different characteristics to their inhabitants. I feel that the abundant sunshine, the lush vegetation plus the striking colors are deeply rooted in my blood. Frankly speaking, I find the area has a strong vitality and mysterious aura.
Q: When mentioning woodcut prints, many of us think of the politically charged images advocated by Lu Xun (1881-1936), a leading figure of modern Chinese literature. In your eyes, what are the advantages and limitations of woodcut prints as an art form?
A: In fact, there are various forms in woodcut prints. But because of Lu Xun, many Chinese are more familiar with the black-and-white wood carved variety. Yes, there are some limitations to wood carved print as with any art form. But these limitations can spark the creativity of an artist.
Q: At this exhibition, you have several images of Weizhou Island, an island off the coast of Guangxi. Why did Weizhou attract you?
A: Every year, I spend one or two months besides the sea to experience the sky, the sea and the horizon. The lifestyle and working attitudes of the fishing village there made me feel the harmony and beauty between human and nature. Weizhou Island is not a tourist destination filled with people, so the relationships between people, between human and nature are pure and simple.
Q: Who is your favorite artist?
A: I have many favorite artists, such as Odilon Redon (1840-1916). The French artist always conjured up an illusionary feeling for viewers through his dream-like hues. His colors were not aimed to reflect nature, but rather his emotions.
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