GBA artists usher in a new chapter of ink painting

An exhibition featuring ink paintings by nearly 60 artists from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) will run until June 22 at Qiuxian Pavilion, a conference hall located in the picturesque Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District.

Visitors observe the paintings on display at the exhibition. Photos courtesy of the event organizers

Unveiled on Saturday afternoon, the exhibits are presented in three sections at the “A New Chapter of Ink Paintings” show, showcasing works by established artists, rising stars, and innovative young talents. Alongside traditional ink paintings, the exhibition includes installations, digital images, videos, and works created with synthetic materials, providing a glimpse into new evolutions as the art form adapts to modern times.

Not only are the techniques new, but the subject matters also diverge from traditional landscapes, flowers, birds, and portraits, featuring dreamlike ocean life, Shenzhen’s skyscrapers, army parades, school children playing, and much more.

One color ink painting titled “The Scent of Flowers As Before” evokes the works of Jackson Pollock, with vibrant dots and splashes of color suggesting blooming flowers in late spring. Another work, “Imagined Rivers,” with its bold colors and neat, simplified depiction of a river coursing through mountains, clearly draws influence from Japan’s Ukiyo-e art. Other pieces draw inspiration from collages and prints or aim to present narratives through a series of paintings.

Curated by Lian Weipeng, a fine arts teacher and young artist, and advised by Shenzhen University professor Zou Ming, the exhibition also marks the debut of the neo-ink painting society under the Guangdong Young Artists Association (GYAA).

Zou, an advocate who has innovated within the tradition of ink painting for over three decades, said that neo-ink painting should represent not just a distinct style but a new way of perception. “Artists need to research the relationship between art, media, and the evolving times,” he explained.

However, Zou emphasized the importance of grounding innovation in Chinese painting traditions and respecting certain time-honored standards.

“Roads” by Chen Junyu.

Lian, director of the neo-ink painting society, noted that neo-ink painting transcends both painting skills and concepts. “The exhibition responds to the cultural diversity of the GBA,” he added.

Zhong Ruijun, chair of GYAA, encouraged young artists to innovate boldly, bring ink paintings closer to contemporary audiences, and broaden the global influence of the tradition. “The founding of the neo-ink painting society provides a platform for young artists to exchange ideas and refine their practice,” he said.

The exhibition is open to the public free of charge.

Dates: Until June 22

Venue: 2/F, Qiuxian Pavilion, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan District (南山区人才公园求贤阁)

Metro: Line 2 to Dengliang Station (登良站), Exit C; or Line 13 to Talent Park Station (人才公园站), Exit D