An Exhibition of Chinese Art - Inheritance and Innovation

Inspired by Chinese history and traditions, this exhibition spans both the practice of art learned by rote, in which the master shows the "right way" to draw. Every generation of new artists is encouraged to demonstrate mastery of continuous brush strokes and movement until it becomes instinctive.

However, in contemporary times, debates have established the limits of this tradition. Within modern art scenes, innovation is now more the rule. As with Western traditions, changing lifestyles, tools, and colours are also influenced by new waves of master painters.

This exhibition spans these artistic canons. Several of Yong Ming Liu’s exquisite watercolours scrolls are based on his interpretation of masters that were painting during the Ming Dynasty some 650 years ago.

His daughter, Jing Liu, while inheriting many of the Chinese artistic methods and traditions, explores innovative representations in art that include mixing sketching on rice paper with traditional Chinese watercolours.

The paintings by Dejin Lu present a Chinese light expressive style known as Xieyi that requires a deft and delicate use of watercolours and when required, a careful balance between water and ink, a style inherited from past generations.

All three exhibition artists are firmly anchored in the three Chinese taxonomic themes; Flower and Birds; Landscapes, and Figures. In this exhibition, we have a wonderful opportunity to view this world through their eyes. We move from inheritance of traditions to innovations in method, form, and content.