The Secret in the Studio: An Interview with the Chinese Realist School of Oil Painting

Author: Wang Huanchun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: When various novel art forms continue to emerge, fashion becomes an important language in contemporary life; when tradition is neglected and forgotten; when people treat life and art more in an immediate or indulgent way today, there are still some who persist in their long-held ideals, expressing their poet-like sentiments through their beloved realistic painting. Their dedication to the creative process and their demand for perfection are almost relentless, their extreme devotion to rational spirit and traditional culture is unwavering. This is a collective of kindred spirits—the Beijing Realist Painting Group. We love realistic painting and firmly believe it holds enduring value and vitality. We continuously refine our individual artistic styles and visual characteristics, mutually inspiring each other to form a high-standard school of contemporary Chinese realistic oil painting. We respect traditional culture, emphasize humanism and rational spirit, and firmly believe: without tradition, there is no civilization! We advocate a serious attitude toward work and rigorous artistic expression, genuinely embracing life and art, promoting a culture of excellence, and striving for the ultimate in expressive perfection! We utterly reject the lowbrow, casual, and irresponsible attitudes in modern cultural life; we disdain shallow, vulgar, and anti-civilized approaches! We look forward to the advancement of society’s culture and civilization. We focus on human emotions and life, cherishing authenticity and naturalness. We are a collective pursuing spirit and ideals, and our works are odes to human civilization. This book includes the professional resumes, works, artistic insights, and self-assessments of outstanding contemporary realist painters. It compiles their significant works and personal information from different periods and types. The interview sections touch on personal development and numerous issues in contemporary art. Through their perspectives, readers can gain a detailed understanding of the value and meaning of art in the minds of different painters. Each one traces their journey from art enthusiast to artist, while also offering insights into the path to realistic oil painting. This book is not only a professional read on realistic oil painting but also an invaluable reference for. The entire collection features thirteen painters, ordered by age, with 500 paintings and 300 personal photo images of the artists.