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Flower-and-bird
painting in modern times
Regions and schools
Most
artists in the late period of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
witnessed things happening over two centuries and under
two different social systems. Since they came from different
places across China, their artistic schools in flower-and-bird
painting were various.
The
Shanghai school maintained its charm thanks to Wu Changshuo's
influence; the Beijing school got its fame as Qi Baishi
showed his talent in art circles; The Zhejiang school gained
its new momentum because of Pan Tianshou's excellent performance;
and the Guangdong school was well known in South China thanks
to the continuous efforts made by Gao Jianfu.
Moreover,
some newcomers such as Chen Zhifo, brought more variety
to the painting circles with new skills of painting.
At the turn of the century, the painting circles experienced
an unprecedented new and dynamic atmosphere.
1)Shanghai
school* Wu Changshuo (1844-1927) was the most influential
person in modern flower-and-bird painting circles. Besides
painting, he was an expert in writing calligraphy, especially
in inscription calligraphy of the Warring States Period
(475-221 BC).
Following the footsteps of the Shanghai school painting
masters in the Ming and Qing dynasties such as Xu Wei (1521-1593),
Chen Daofu (1483-1544), Shi Tao (1642-1718), Zhu Da (1624-1705)
and especially Zhao Zhiqian (1829-1884), Wu became the most
important figure of the latest period of the Shanghai school.
Flowers were the main themes of his paintings. His paintings
were full of dynamic and passion. He was good at colour
painting, especially colour paint mixed with ink which can
bring out more levels and dimensions to create a splendid
picture. Wu's creations combined painting, calligraphy and
seal cutting together, showing the artist's scholarly character.
Wu's painting style greatly influenced his successors, such
as Wang Zhen. Although Wang was a businessman, his paintings
maintained the scholarly characters greatly appreciated
by his audience.
The
Shanghai school influence became stronger with more followers
joining in, including Wang Geyi, Zhu Jizhan, Wu Hufan, Jiang
Handing, Zhang Dazhuang, Lai Chusheng and Tang Yun. Newcomers
also brought some changes in style. Grandeur and passion
were no more the most prominent character of the Shanghai
school but its skill-orientated tradition remained.
2) Beijing school
Qi
Baishi (1864-1957) was another master in flower-and-bird
painting after Wu Changshuo. Since Qi lived in Beijing for
years, he learned lots of skills and ideas from local artists.
He also benefited from his early years of experience in
countryside, which made his flower-and-bird painting more
creative and natural. His paintings about fish and shrimps,
grass and insects, and vegetables and fruits not only displayed
the spice of life but showed the talent and ability of the
artist. With his flower-and-bird paintings, Qi got his fame
at home and abroad. He made a great contribution to the
development of modern flower-and-bird painting.
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