Wang Xijing's Collection of Freehand Figure Paintings

Author: Wang Xijin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: In the history of China, there have been emperors, generals, scholars, talented and beautiful people, wise and brave individuals, virtuous people, commoners, as well as gods and Buddhas. However, among all these figures from different strata, the ones that painters admire and choose as representatives are always those who embody perfect morality, lofty aspirations, and poetic sensibility. These figures embody the finest qualities, wisdom, and talent of humanity, giving them an infinite capacity for inclusivity and achieving eternal spiritual tranquility. They serve as symbols of the unity of the human spirit. For many years, the renowned contemporary painter Wang Xijin has demonstrated his talent with a focus on traditional culture and a human-centered approach. He has achieved remarkable results by following the principles of "promoting human ethics," "exploring the mysteries of the divine," and "perceiving the subtle."
Promoting Human Ethics—Based on moral standards, extending from the near to the far, from the present to the past, and from the visible to the invisible, he places human figures within the unity of reality and history. As a result, his works feature figures such as the writer Liu Qing, the patriotic poet Yu Youren, the painter Qi Baishi, as well as numerous others like Li Bai, Du Fu, Zheng Banqiao, and Ah Q. Through these figures, the author conveys a noble spirit and an indomitable life force. It is this spirit and vitality that forge the cohesion of the Chinese nation and drive progress into the future. To infuse this unyielding spirit into his art, Wang Xijin combines realism and expressiveness in his figures, primarily emphasizing realism. He blends concrete and abstract elements, focusing on the concrete. He unites resemblance and spiritual essence, emphasizing resemblance. These are the fundamental characteristics of his artistic language, which are exceptionally well-executed, achieving a distinct artistic effect.
Taking The Six Gentlemen of the Wuxu Reform as an example, one can assess the artistic height Wang Xijin has reached in his figure painting. Through his portrayal of the "Six Gentlemen," he has developed a unique style in figure painting: vast, profound, rigorous, and substantial. These six outstanding figures were thrust onto the historical altar by their era, and history demanded precious offerings for its sacrifices. Thus, exemplary figures endure suffering and make sacrifices to affirm the existence of an unextinguished sacred flame in humanity—the power born of ethics and morality. It encompasses all things, pursues the unity and completeness of humanity, and endows them with immortal humanistic significance. As the pillar of life, morality has, throughout historical development, shaped countless outstanding individuals who transcended narrow self-interest, broadened their horizons, and sought infinite meaning in their finite existence. They devoted their lives to and returned to the ocean of traditional spirit. By upholding this spirit, the painter demonstrates his sense of historical mission.
Exploring the Mysteries of the Divine—Wang Xijin is skilled in painting Zhong Kui. From his portrayal of this figure, one can see his understanding of humanity shift from a macro perspective to a micro one. In the mortal world, Zhong Kui suffered injustice, but after death, he was enshrined as the King of Ghosts. The injustices of the mortal world were compensated in the underworld, achieving harmony between yin and yang. Zhong Kui possesses both human qualities and demonic traits, making him a perfect human and a perfect demon. These dual qualities elevate him to the status of a deity, an inviolable superhuman. Therefore, "exploring the mysteries of the divine" becomes the inevitable path for figures. Many historical figures created by Wang Xijin are transformed, exaggerated, and sanctified. For example, Li Bai Drunk on Wine, Du Fu's Spring View, and Wang Zhaojun Playing the Lute aim to intensify the emotional impact of the figures and the penetration of their inner spirits.
Humanity's reception of moral guidance is complex, contradictory, and painful, often leading to personality fragmentation, distortion, and misunderstanding, resulting in transformation. Yet, they still pursue the unity of their essence, maintaining inner and spiritual harmony. Changes in perspective also alter artistic language accordingly. Therefore, transformed figures primarily employ expressiveness, blending imagery with freedom, with unrestrained brushwork, seeking a rich humanistic atmosphere and creating a sense of ethereal beauty.
Perceiving the Subtle—As living beings, humans possess both manifest and hidden forms. Thus, grasping humanity macroscopically requires vastness and depth, while microscopically requires subtlety and profound insight. Wang Xijin's poetic figure paintings are the fruits of his perception of the subtle. For instance, works like Snow Falling in the Valley, Clouds Light in the Sky, and Quietly Sitting Until Dusk fully express the within his heart, emphasizing expressiveness, intensifying spiritual resemblance, and pursuing tranquility, emptiness, and vagueness, awakening viewers to the idea of "home is where the heart is" and finding peace in simplicity. In his recent works, poetic figure paintings occupy a significant portion, highlighting his current artistic tendencies. For example, series like Spring Rhythm of the, Poetic Tang, and Chess Game pursue the idealized realm of poetic and painterly fusion. The figures in these works are more vivid and ethereal, with more flexible and unrestrained lines and brushwork, and their humanistic connotations are deeper and more profound. These works' pioneering spirit dissolves all opposing elements to achieve artistic harmony, with every fleeting impulse perfectly expressed on the canvas.
Through the stages of "promoting human ethics," "exploring the mysteries of the divine," and "perceiving the subtle," Wang Xijin has constructed his framework for figure painting. His works draw inspiration from the of traditional spirit and must return to its ocean. The sea of art is boundless, and his relentless pursuit will undoubtedly lead him to even higher realms.