Wu Guanzhong Flashcards
Artist profile:
Wu Guanzhong?
-One of the most renowned Chinese artists of the 20th century,
-Widely considered to be the founder of modern Chinese painting.
-Age 28 in 1947, went to Paris to study on scholarship
-Inspired by the works of European artists such as Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and, in particular, Vincent van Gogh.
-Taught at the Central Academy of Fine Art in Beijing between 1950 and 1953
-Introduced Western art practices to his students
-Faced strong resistance from members of the academy (proponents of the Social Realist style.)
EoA/PoD:
A Lotus Flower Island
by Wu Guanzhong
-Lighter and brighter colours of the flowers contrast with the darker shades of green of the leaves -> Brings ** emphasis** to flowers
-The variety of dynamic brushstrokes with thick paint in ifferent directions depict the leaves in an abstract form -> gives a **streaky texture **to the painting, preventing the work from appearing flat.
The less rendered vertical strokes of green at the bottom of the painting -> reflection of the flora patch on the lotus pond surface
The flower and leaves take up most of the space on the canvas, brings focus.
EoA/PoD:
The Wu Village
By Wu Guanzhong
The black of the roofs and windows **contrast **the white of house walls.
The dots of bright colours** break away** from the overall monochrome painting
The village is depicted in** simplified shapes** (flat brushstrokes)
The houses further away are smaller in size, fainter and lighter in colour -> gives **illusion of depth **
The space is cramped to give a sense of crowdedness
Main Idea Expressed:
A Lotus Flower Island &
The Wu Village
By Wu Guanzhong
Wu Guanzhong’s emotive landscapes, ranging from the mountains and water towns of China to cities of Europe, are testaments of his firm belief that art making was a subjective process in which emotions held a central role. His landscapes speak of his life story and artistic practice, which transcends geographical borders and pushes cultural boundaries.
