Wang Meifang, Zhao Guojing's New Works Selection

Author: Wang Meimang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: "A painter's work should be 'untruthful,' it can be like the scorching sun, like the biting wind, or like a fresh breeze." This is a quote from Zhao Guojing, a first-class painter at Tianjin Painting Institute and a traditional Chinese ink painter specializing in figure painting, and Wang Meifang, a second-class painter at Tianjin Institute of Arts and Crafts and also a traditional Chinese ink painter specializing in figure painting. These two art world partners shared this sentiment when discussing their pursuit. However, in life, whether in dealing with people or in painting, they remain as calm as ever, striving for the "vastness that embraces all." Their selection for the "Exhibition of Outstanding Contemporary Chinese Ink Paintings in Tianjin" came as a surprise to them, as they had never considered themselves "established masters." Yet, their inclusion was no coincidence—it was the result of years of diligent cultivation that led them to the heights of their lives. Painting is the most beautiful part of their married life, and when it comes to painting, the couple has countless wonderful memories and aspirations for the future. Zhao Guojing said that their love story began with painting. Their shared dedication to art has provided them with a vast sky for both their lives and work. They met in 1973 at an art learning class organized by the Heilongjiang Production and Construction. Through mutual support and encouragement, and in the practice of creation, their bond deepened as their painting skills improved. When their feelings matured, they realized they couldn't live without each other in their artistic pursuits. After the class ended, Zhao Guojing continued his studies at Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts. Five years later, Wang Meifang was transferred to Tianjin. During their separation, they maintained their bond through unique collaborative painting. Each piece they created during this time was a testament to their love. Zhao Guojing would sketch the initial ideas, while Wang Meifang refined and polished them, refining them until they were satisfied. This collaboration has continued to this day. When discussing painting, Zhao Guojing and Wang Meifang first emphasize their attitude toward life. They say that art is the embodiment of beauty, and painters discover beauty in life through their own eyes and express it with their preferred means. If a painter lacks a "mass perspective" or cannot approach life with the right attitude, it will be difficult for them to discover the true beauty in life, and their creations will lack impact. They believe in the saying that "art follows the artist." Therefore, while pursuing art, they continuously improve their personal cultivation. They view painting as a solitary path. Looking back on their artistic journey over the years, it has not been easy, but it has been fulfilling. Their footsteps have covered the vast landscapes of their homeland, and their works have been selected for national art exhibitions multiple times. Realistic-themed paintings like "The First Month" and "Wang Gui and Li Xiangxiang" have been collected by the National Art Museum of China. Zhao Guojing has experience in creating over 10,000 sequential illustrations, effortlessly mastering the portrayal of human form, environment, props, and the organization of lines to achieve a cohesive visual effect, especially in his rapid conceptualization. Wang Meifang has a solid foundation in sketching and portrays figures with unique charm, free from clichés and embodying the beauty of healthy life. The couple has dedicated over a decade to exploring modern traditional Chinese ink paintings of elegant women, and their artistic collaboration has reached new heights in this genre. This book features new works by Wang Meifang and Zhao Guojing. "A painter's work should be 'untruthful,' it can be like the scorching sun, like the biting wind, or like a fresh breeze."