Drunken Eye You Meng (Talking and Painting about Opera)

Author: Xu Hongquan (Text), Gao Madi (Illustrations)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: This book consists of the traditional Chinese opera character paintings by the renowned Chinese opera painter Gao Madi and the appreciative essays by the well-known artist and writer Xu Hongquan. It includes over 80 paintings of traditional Chinese opera created by Gao Madi, with one essay for each piece. The content covers opera, history, actors, backstage anecdotes, and the art of storytelling through art. It offers a vivid and elegant perspective on life through the lens of the stage. It stands as the best illustrated book on traditional Chinese opera in contemporary times.
Gao Madi became deeply fascinated with Chinese opera in the 1960s and began depicting opera characters in Chinese painting. His brushwork is concise, unrestrained, and imbued with life, capturing the essence of his subjects with a subtle charm that invites contemplation. Xu Hongquan’s writing is sharp yet sincere, blending discussions of opera, art, and life. His words are filled with genuine personality, balancing solemnity and humor, exuding an aura of vitality.
Wang Zengqi once remarked, "We can call Madi a ‘dream painter.’" Life is like a play, and a play is like life. Gao Madi and Xu Hongquan can be said to be "dreamers" who intertwine with dreams and gain deep insights. Their longing and reverence for tradition resemble a moving elegy, a sincere tribute to the past, stirring us today as it resonates with their thoughts.
This book consists of the traditional Chinese opera character paintings by the renowned Chinese opera painter Gao Madi and the appreciative essays by the well-known artist and writer Xu Hongquan. It includes over 80 paintings of traditional Chinese opera created by Gao Madi, with one essay for each piece. The content covers opera, history, actors, backstage anecdotes, and the art of storytelling through art. It offers a vivid and elegant perspective on life through the lens of the stage. It stands as the best illustrated book on traditional Chinese opera in contemporary times.
Gao Madi became deeply fascinated with Chinese opera in the 1960s and began depicting opera characters in Chinese painting. His brushwork is concise, unrestrained, and imbued with life, capturing the essence of his subjects with a subtle charm that invites contemplation. Xu Hongquan’s writing is sharp yet sincere, blending discussions of opera, art, and life. His words are filled with genuine personality, balancing solemnity and humor, exuding an aura of vitality.
Wang Zengqi once remarked, "We can call Madi a ‘dream painter.’" Life is like a play, and a play is like life. Gao Madi and Xu Hongquan can be said to be "dreamers" who intertwine with dreams and gain deep insights. Their longing and reverence for tradition resemble a moving elegy, a sincere tribute to the past, stirring us today as it resonates with their thoughts.