New painting exhibitions offer aesthetic delight

Two elegant painting exhibitions showcasing works of Wen Xiang and Yu Fei’an (1889-1959) opened last week at He Xiangning Art Museum. With Wen’s unique landscape paintings and Yu’s exquisite flower-and-bird paintings, the two exhibitions promise a rejuvenating experience for visitors.

A visitor observes one of  Wen Xiang's paintings created in 2023. Photos by Cao Zhen

Wen’s exhibition features ink and lacquer paintings, reflecting his artistic innovations over the decades. Wen’s artistic journey began with meticulous study and replication of paintings at the Palace Museum in Beijing. Embarking on a quest across the nation for life sketches, he further honed his skills through a study of landscape and flower-and-bird paintings in Japan during the 1990s. This sojourn inspired him to fuse ink and lacquer techniques in his landscape creations.

Cai Xianliang, director of He Xiangning Art Museum, said that the art museum has long been focusing on contemporary Chinese artists’ innovation in Chinese paintings, and Wen’s paintings not only inherit the essence of traditional Chinese paintings but also showcase a distinctive style through his experimentation with ink and lacquer.

A visitor takes photos of a painting created by Yu Fei’an in 1955. A photo of Yu is on display at the entrance to the exhibition.

At Yu’s exhibition, a collaborative effort between He Xiangning Art Museum and Beijing Fine Art Academy, visitors are treated to a visual feast of 60 vivid flower-and-bird paintings with vibrant colors, and elegant landscape paintings.

A visitor admires a painting created by Yu Fei’an in 1954.

Yu’s prowess in flower-and-bird paintings is acclaimed to be comparable to the style championed by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), a renowned artist in his own right. The emperor once commented that artists portraying flora and fauna are akin to poets capturing the beauty of nature. Yu’s artworks exude a sense of splendor and grace reminiscent of Huizong’s illustrious creations.

A visitor observes botanical art books at Yu Fei’an’s painting exhibition. This special corner features botanical paintings and photos, as well as photos and videos of birds, echoing Yu’s artistic achievements in flower-and-bird paintings.

Drawing inspiration from classical painting styles, techniques, and materials, Yu infused his works with elements from folk customs, elevating the expressive capacity of his flower-and-bird compositions.

A painting created by Yu Fei’an in 1956.

Alongside Chen Zhifo (1896-1962), Yu rose to prominence in the 20th century as a preeminent figure in the flower-and-bird gongbi painting tradition, with each artist exemplifying the pinnacle of artistic achievement in their respective regions.

Through the brushstrokes of Wen and Yu, visitors to these exhibitions are transported on a visual journey, where tradition merges with innovation to create a symphony of artistic brilliance — a perfect summer respite for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration and aesthetic delight.

Wen Xiang’s exhibition dates: Through June 15

Yu Fei’an’s exhibition dates: Through Aug. 4

Venue: He Xiangning Art Museum, Nanshan District (何香凝美术馆)

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit C