Master of the Art World: A Biography of Wu Huafen

Author: Dai Xiaojing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-01
Features: Mr. Wu Huafen's works stand out in the art world with their exquisite brushwork, vibrant colors, and innovative composition. He drew upon the strengths of masters from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, infusing them with his own style to create something new. His artistic approach is meticulous, rich, luminous, elegant, and refined, with lush green and gold hues that surpass the ancients. The plants and trees are depicted in vibrant life, while mist and clouds add a sense of ethereal charm, capturing the beauty of nature in a way unmatched by others. No wonder Mr. Zhang Daqian once remarked, "Mr. Huafen is profound and expansive in his knowledge, fusing the styles of the Song and Yuan dynasties while forging his own path. Among the painters I have known, Mr. Wu Huafen is undoubtedly the greatest." This book presents a biographical account of the master's artistic life. The achievements of Mr. Wu Huafen's works and his artistic height are built upon his lifelong dedication to studying traditional Chinese culture. Beyond painting, he delved deeply into literature, textual criticism, poetry, calligraphy, archaeology, appreciation, music theory, seal carving, Peking Opera, Pingtan, Go, and more. On such a rich and solid foundation, he accumulated and then unleashed his brilliance, standing out among his contemporaries.
Green grass covers the pond,
Passing Qingming, jealous spring winds and rain,
Spring's end, people fade away.
No matter how much one regrets,
Flowers fall, heartbroken and parting—
Can't bear to review scattered drafts.
One thought of longing brings more readings,
Heartbroken, and the heart is entangled.
A thousand words, still feel insufficient,
Half of the perilous tower, sunlight slants,
Ask when this resentment and frustration will end?
Tears dry on the double eyes,
Off to seek sorrow and reflection,
Suppose the underworld knows my embrace,
Hope for the path by the Rainbow Bridge,
Sighing, green grass is swept away year after year,
Either weeping in pain, or laughing wildly.