Contemporary Chinese Art Collection (Mountains and Waters Volume 1)

Author: Long Rui, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-02-01
Features: Although the modern prospects of Chinese landscape painting are still being explored, it is certain that this traditional genre has inevitably evolved from a classical form to a modern one. 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. It emphasizes the harmony between humans and nature, strives to awaken people's love for nature, and fulfills 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 a revival through constant exploration and innovation. It is based on the liberation of thought and aims to carry forward the past and open up the future. It consciously reflects on ancient and modern traditions, deeply recognizes the practical significance of "breaking in" and "breaking out" of tradition with great effort, boldly experiments with artistic forms, absorbs from Western modern painting, seeks roots in forgotten ancient traditions, turns to nature, and shapes and elevates 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, with more outstanding painters and works. Their practices tell us that various experiments in the inheritance and transformation of traditional brushwork and the establishment of new systems are all manifestations of individual differentiation in the pursuit of a combination of 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 arranged in chronological order by the birth years of the painters. It includes 658 works by 62 influential painters 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. It holds academic significance and promotes the development of landscape painting.