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A Past Written in Ink
Artsy Editorial
Upon the recession of the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970s, China opened its doors to the influence of the outside world. As Western innovations began to trickle overseas, some artists embraced oil painting and Abstract Expressionism, some embraced the age-old traditions of their classical Chinese heritage, and others chose to combine the old with the new.
These works from the Christie’s Beyond Tradition traveling exhibition represent a group of contemporary artists who are breathing new life into the 1000-year-old tradition of Chinese ink painting. While nearly all of the artists were formally trained in classical Chinese techniques like painting, calligraphy, and printmaking, they also share a common parlay into Western practice—ultimately challenging and embracing their heritage through contemporary means.For more, explore the gene Modernizing of a Traditional Technique.
Artsy Editorial