Experimental Ink Painting - Two Chinese Artists

I have been experimenting with two mediums, ink and print, both of which can be perceived as traditional materials used within Eastern artistic expression. Ink has been used for painting and calligraphy for many centuries.  It has provided the most extensive opportunity to create a huge diversity of creative imagery over many centuries.  However, the 20th century developed and introduced new media and practices to China and the traditions of ink painting began to be examined and challenged. Experimental ink painting emerged and it is within these realms that I have found several Chinese artists that are of particular interest within my research area. Below are two examples of work by Chinese artists where connections both in concept and imagery have provided links to my area of study.  Other experimental ink artists can be referenced in my research file.

Zhang Jiangun (b1955)

Nature 1987 (Triptych 175 x 288 cm) combines ink drawing and collage 

Zhang explores he richness of ink and is inspired by Chinese philosophy and aesthetics for inspiration.  The image above portrays a recollection of memories of river views in China.

Duan Jiangun (b1970) has worked predominately with oil on canvas but it is her work that was executed in 2008 that interested me.  The image below is one example of a series of monochrome ink pieces worked on flattened cardboard boxes,

Beautiful Dream 7 2008

The imagery reflects a postcard like landscape.  Using a flat silhouette emphasises the picture surface as does the recycled cardboard.  Cliched imagery appears stamped as labels on commercial goods.  This presents different levels of interpretation - traditional motifs, recycled material plus the vulgarisation of spiritual values linked to a Chinese cultural heritage. Duan uses the surface, sometimes torn, creased as part of the composition and like Robert Rauchenburg offered comment on the cheap materialism of modern 'life'.  The embellishment of packaging but without its contents brings attention to the superficial attributes of western culture.  

This is a concept that I could use to present my own imagery,using ink/print.  Creating beautiful monochrome imagery to decorate empty brown cardboard boxes.  This would present on various levels of communication - recycling and environment, card made from wood, cycle of nature, spiritual emptiness of consumerism?  Nature is free/nature can be a commercial enterprise/nature has been devalued/threatened/manipulated/logo/label promoting nature/empty/empty spaces/take a journey,etc. All of these points make connections to nature whilst utilising the materiality to emphasise and provide cross cultural comparisons. The aim and objective being to engage the viewer and create an awareness and reconsideration of the value and enrichment that the appreciation and experience of nature can provide.

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