For more than half a century, Dai Ze has dedicated his life to painting, despite suffering from an eye disease that causes blurry vision. Despite this obstacle, Dai has managed to create a vast collection of artwork that reflects his pursuit of truth and beauty. His paintings of still life and landscapes are notable for their sense of depth and serenity.
Visitors to the Anhui Art Museum in Hefei can view dozens of Dai’s paintings in the exhibition “Drawing from the Unseen.” The exhibition primarily features landscapes, which Dai has painstakingly created to portray the world around him. Dai’s paintings are the result of his desire to use all of his senses to feel, touch, and imagine the world around him.
Through his work, Dai strives to gain a deeper understanding of art and life, continuously pushing himself to new levels. He sees his eye disease as a challenge to overcome, rather than an obstacle to hold him back. Dai’s determination and dedication have led him to create beautiful works of art that capture the essence of nature and the human experience.
In his paintings, Dai communicates a sense of tranquility that reflects his inner peace and the way he sees the world. He uses color, texture, and form to evoke a sense of harmony and balance, creating a serene atmosphere that invites the viewer to immerse themselves in his artwork.
Despite his eye disease, Dai’s paintings have continued to evolve throughout his career. His willingness to embrace new techniques and explore new forms of artistic expression has allowed him to push the boundaries of his creativity continually. Through his art, Dai has not only created a legacy for himself but has also inspired countless others to pursue their passions and overcome their obstacles.
In summary, Dai Ze’s lifelong dedication to painting has produced a body of work that captures the beauty and tranquility of the world around us. Through his art, he has pushed the boundaries of his creativity and gained a deeper understanding of the connection between art and life. Despite his eye disease, Dai’s paintings are a testament to his perseverance, dedication, and willingness to overcome obstacles. His artwork has left a lasting impact on the world of art, inspiring others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams
Zhuji, a picturesque city in Zhejiang province, is renowned for being the birthplace of Xishi, one of the “four great beauties” of ancient China who lived more than 2,000 years ago. This city’s rich cultural heritage has produced many renowned painters and calligraphers throughout history, including Yu Rentian (1908-84). He was a prominent figure in Zhejiang’s art community in the 20th century, known for his versatility, hard work, and passion for classical Chinese art.
Yu was a true inheritor of the “spirit of self-cultivation” promoted by ancient Chinese artists. He believed that one should be well-versed in literature, painting, calligraphy, and seal engraving. His passion for art was reflected in all aspects of his life, and he dedicated himself to pursuing excellence in all of these fields.
Together on the Road, an exhibition at the Zhejiang Art Museum, is a tribute to Yu’s legacy and marks the 115th anniversary of his birth. It showcases his accomplishments as a versatile and hardworking artist in the realm of classical Chinese art. The exhibition features a diverse collection of Yu’s artwork, including his calligraphy, seal carving, and landscape paintings.
Yu’s artistry in seal carving earned him widespread recognition, and he created over 30 seals for Pan Tianshou, a master of modern Chinese art. Yu was also an avid painter, and he spent much of his lifetime depicting the natural scenery of Zhejiang. He was particularly fond of the tranquil atmosphere of the West Lake in Hangzhou, which he often featured in his paintings.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Yu was a prolific writer, composing over 2,000 poems in six decades. His love for art and literature was all-consuming, and he led a low-profile life, preferring to immerse himself in his creative pursuits rather than seeking public recognition.
Yu’s dedication to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of his life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to self-cultivation. His art, like his life, was characterized by a deep sense of tranquility, harmony, and balance, reflecting the natural beauty and cultural richness of his hometown of Zhuji.
The Together on the Road exhibition offers visitors a rare opportunity to view Yu’s artwork and gain insight into his life and creative vision. It showcases the timeless beauty and profound cultural significance of classical Chinese art and honors the legacy of one of Zhejiang’s most accomplished and respected artists.
Yu Rentian’s contributions to the world of art and literature continue to inspire and influence generations of artists today. His dedication to self-cultivation and his passion for art serve as a reminder of the transformative power of creativity and the enduring value of classical Chinese art.
During the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), social unrest led people living in coastal Fujian province to migrate across the sea to Taiwan, where they established new communities and brought with them their culture and folk arts. Today, many Taiwanese people can trace their roots back to Fujian, particularly in the southern part of the island.
Shared Roots, Intimate Kinship is an exhibition at the National Museum of China in Beijing that highlights this unique cultural connection. The exhibition, which runs until April 9th, creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the sense of belonging that unites members of the same family.
The exhibition showcases a wide range of objects that demonstrate the shared cultural heritage of the residents on both sides of the Taiwan Straits. From social etiquette and folklore to religion, cuisine, dialect, and classical architecture, the similarities are striking.
Visitors can explore the rich history and cultural traditions of both Fujian and Taiwan, including the migration patterns of the region’s people, the cultivation of the land, and the development of commerce. Through the exhibition, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the shared cultural roots and intimate kinship that bind these two communities together.
The Shared Roots, Intimate Kinship exhibition is a celebration of the enduring cultural connections between Fujian and Taiwan. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the history and traditions of the region, highlighting the remarkable similarities that have endured over centuries despite the geographic distance between the two communities.
Read More: