Contemporary Chinese Art Collection -- Volume 1: Portraits

Author: Liu Dawei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: In the global art world, Chinese figure painting is an independent system with a long history and unique value. It has experienced the brilliance of meticulous brushwork during the Sui and Tang dynasties, the peak of ink wash painting during the Northern and Southern Song dynasties, and the decline in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Over the long course of history, it gradually developed its own conventions. Since the reform and opening-up, Chinese figure painting has undergone fundamental changes since the founding of the People's Republic of China, leading to an unprecedented resurgence and forming a new landscape in the realm of Chinese painting characterized by "meticulous and freehand painting, and the interplay of color and ink." Artists have maintained the creative spirit of the 1950s and 1960s—close to life, embracing nature, and focusing on the times—while actively exploring and breaking through in subjective perception, expression of inner worlds, refinement of artistic language and techniques, and the development of individual artistic styles. This has opened up new realms in themes, artistic techniques, and materials, demonstrating a vibrant and diverse vitality.
In terms of the overall development of contemporary figure painting, whether in meticulous or freehand styles, realism remains the mainstream of creative practice. However, compared to the realism of the early years after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it now exhibits a stronger inclination toward expressionism. This is evident in the (brush and ink) technique, which, after completing the interpretation of three-dimensional forms, enters a more free, diverse, and personalized context. The rise of a large number of figure painters suggests that the future of Chinese figure painting is limitless. As they choose and promote tradition while absorbing Western painting and digesting it, they are steadily moving toward modernity. Their remarkable achievements not only far surpass those of their predecessors but also demonstrate greater momentum and vitality overall.
The Complete Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art: Figure Painting is divided into two volumes and is organized in chronological order by the birth years of the artists. It includes 661 works by 62 influential artists active in the contemporary art scene. From this collection, one can glimpse the highest level and overall style of contemporary figure painting, as well as fully understand the artistic characteristics and individual creativity of each artist. It holds significant academic value and contributes to the advancement of figure painting.