Contemporary Chinese Art Collection -- Landscape Volume 1

Author: Long Rui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: Although the modern prospects of Chinese landscape painting are still being explored, it is certain that the transformation of this traditional genre from classical to modern form has become inevitable. It no longer serves the aesthetic needs of the highest echelons of the feudal society as it did in ancient times, but instead takes the life experiences and spiritual life of modern Chinese people as its guiding principle, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature, striving to awaken people's love for nature, and fulfilling their lyrical and recreational needs. In the nearly 30 years since the reform and opening-up, contemporary Chinese landscape painting has continued to develop on the significant achievements made since the founding of the country, experiencing revitalization through constant exploration and innovation. It is based on the liberation of thought and aims to carry forward the legacy, more consciously reflecting on ancient and modern traditions, and deeply recognizing the practical significance of "penetrating into" and "breaking out of" tradition with great effort. It boldly experiments with artistic forms, absorbs from Western modern painting, seeks roots in forgotten ancient traditions, turns to nature, and shapes and elevates its self-style to meet the spiritual needs of people in the new era of a market economy. As a result, contemporary landscape painting has formed a new situation of multi-angle and multi-level exploration, developing in a diversified framework and achieving remarkable success. Overall, contemporary landscape painting is more creative, diverse in style, and rich in content than any other period in history, boasting more outstanding painters and works. Their practices tell us that the various experiments in innovating and carrying forward traditional brushwork and establishing new systems are all forms of individual differentiation in the pursuit of combining tradition and modernity. They reflect both the common concern for the cultural quality and the intrinsic realm of Chinese landscape painting, as well as the trend of contemporary landscape painting evolving toward modernity. The Complete Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art: Landscape Volume is divided into two volumes and is organized in chronological order by the birth years of the painters, including 658 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 landscape painting, as well as fully understand the artistic characteristics and individual creativity of each painter, making it significant for academic research and promoting the development of landscape painting.