Today we went to the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Art Museum. The first represented the history of China and it was interesting to contrast the folk art and historical relics against contemporary, modern art in China. The large ink and brush paintings done in traditional style at the art museum were beautiful, full of movement and splashes of color that balanced the pieces well. I was also very drawn to a section of work that depicted the female figure with loose, abstract brush strokes and vibrant pink ink.
Later in the day we went to visit the galleries of contemporary artists in Shanghai in the art district. For me, the highlight of this day was visiting the studio of Wenda Gu, a well-known Chinese artist whose conceptual pieces often focus on identity and Chinese culture. Gu spoke of his upbringing in communist China during the 1970s and 80s and how his earlier years have shaped and affected his works. I've read personal memoirs from published authors of their lives during the Mao era, but I found it fascinating to hear someone speak openly about the once tumultuous times and their eventual departure from China.
Later in the day we went to visit the galleries of contemporary artists in Shanghai in the art district. For me, the highlight of this day was visiting the studio of Wenda Gu, a well-known Chinese artist whose conceptual pieces often focus on identity and Chinese culture. Gu spoke of his upbringing in communist China during the 1970s and 80s and how his earlier years have shaped and affected his works. I've read personal memoirs from published authors of their lives during the Mao era, but I found it fascinating to hear someone speak openly about the once tumultuous times and their eventual departure from China.
No comments:
Post a Comment