INK studio in Beijing is currently hosting the first solo exhibition of Peng Kanglong, a classically-trained Chinese flower and landscape painter. This exhibition, titled “Grand Synthesis,” showcases Peng’s innovative approach to art, where he seamlessly blends the traditionally separate genres of landscape and flower painting.
In the rich history of Chinese brush and ink painting, landscape and flower paintings have maintained their distinct identities with unique metaphoric languages, painting techniques, and representative masters. However, Peng Kanglong challenges convention by exploring the artistic possibilities of uniting these once-separate genres.
Peng’s artistic journey began with a strong foundation in Chinese brush and ink painting. Over time, he developed a highly personal and distinctive style in landscape painting. His work draws inspiration from late-Ming to early-Qing individualist artists like Shitao (1642-1707) and Kuncan (1612 to 1674), combining their brushwork techniques with the depth and weight found in the work of Modernist landscape master Huang Binhong. Peng’s style is characterized as raw, bitter, and sometimes astringent, reflecting his individualistic and uncompromising approach to art. This often placed him at odds with the prevailing orthodox taste of collectors influenced by the Qing Imperial Collection housed in the Taipei Palace Museum.
The “Grand Synthesis” exhibition at INK studio features eight monumental works that represent the latest phase of Peng’s ongoing exploration and fusion of landscape and flower painting genres. Among the notable pieces are two remarkably long handscrolls, “Speak and Act Cautiously” (2020) and “Contained Virtues” (2020), as well as the monumental hanging scroll “Ode to the Mighty Peak” (2022). Additionally, two monumental horizontal scrolls, “Mountain Flower Romance” (2023) and “Glistening Dew” (2023), provide further insight into Peng’s unique artistic vision.
Peng Kanglong’s exhibition at INK studio not only showcases his remarkable talent but also highlights the evolution of Chinese ink painting. By breaking down the barriers between landscape and flower painting, Peng’s work offers viewers a fresh perspective on traditional Chinese art and its potential for innovation and reinvention.
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