China Modern Masters Paintings Collection -- Xu Nanhu Painting Album

Author: Jia Dejiang, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Xu Nanhu, originally named Shaojiang, styled as Chonghong, was born in Zhouzhuang, Kunshan in 1906. From a young age, he had a deep passion for art and studied under the painter Wang Yunxuan of Wuxi. Later, he enrolled in the Shanghai Chinese Art College, where he devoted himself to artistic pursuits. At that time, Huang Binhong served as the college's president, and the faculty included renowned painters and calligraphers such as Deng Wuchang, Ji Zhengbai, Deng Manqing, Shang Shengbo, Ma Gongyu, Zhang Shanmei, and Fang Jiekang, who taught the students. Xu Nanhu benefited greatly from their instruction, especially admiring Huang Binhong. After Huang left the college, Xu Nanhu resolved to follow him and rented a home in Xicheng Road, Shanghai, to live near his master, hoping to receive guidance from him daily. Impressed by his sincerity, Huang accepted Xu as his disciple, teaching him for four years, focusing on landscape painting. Xu's skills improved daily.
Starting in 1932, Xu Nanhu taught at the art class of the Shanghai Patriot Women's School, founded by Cai Yuanpei, and later moved between Suzhou, Wuxi, and Shanghai, enduring hardships but strengthening his resolve to pursue art. Over more than seventy years, he meticulously studied the Huang school of painting, deeply emulating its brushwork, ink techniques, composition, and coloration. He also widely absorbed the strengths of masters from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, blending traditional techniques into a unique style characterized by simplicity, naturalness, and a profound, textured brushwork.
To commemorate this distinguished Kunshan painter, praise his noble character, and preserve his exquisite art, the Kunshan Literature and Art Federation proposed the compilation and publication of Xu Nanhu Paintings in the spring of 2006. This initiative received strong support from the Zhouzhuang Town Party Committee, Government, Kunshan Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Kunshan Daily, and Jiangsu Water Town Zhouzhuang Tourism Co., Ltd., as well as enthusiastic attention from all sectors of society.
Due to the scattered nature of Xu Nanhu's works among the public and the limited scope of this collection, only a selection of his works can be included, with the hope of showcasing the full breadth of his artistic achievements. The publication of Xu Nanhu Paintings will undoubtedly contribute to promoting, appreciating, and studying his art, as well as fostering the development of Kunshan's artistic endeavors.