Yang Renkai, Ink and Inspiration, 翰墨缘, 2006, Chinese ink on paper 水墨纸本, 16 1/2 x 30 in. (41.9 x 76.2 cm)

Ink and Inspiration
October 24 – December 14, 2024
Opening Reception: Nov 7, 2024 from 5-8pm

As autumn deepens, Fu Qiumeng Fine Art is pleased to present their year-end group exhibition, Ink and Inspiration.

At the heart of East Asian painting and calligraphy is a deep understanding of the “brush,” and inseparable from that is the use of “ink.” Together, brush and ink have given rise to artistic traditions that have evolved over thousands of years and continue to influence the modern world today. This dynamic interplay between simplicity and complexity—depth and breadth—creates endless possibilities, much like the ancient game of Go, where simple rules lead to infinite strategies.

The theme of this exhibition is drawn from a plaque by Yang Renkai, titled Ink and Inspiration. Yang Renkai was a prominent member of the appraisal team that authenticated Chinese paintings and calligraphy in the early years of the People’s Republic of China. He conducted extensive research on priceless works lost from the Forbidden City during the late Qing dynasty, rediscovering treasures like Along the River During the Qingming Festival. In 1975, Yang Renkai visited the U.S. to study Chinese paintings and calligraphy in American museums, and he wrote widely about his findings. In 2006, at the age of 91, Yang Renkai created the above work, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to brush and ink. His work serves as a reflection of FQM’s long-standing mission to celebrate these artistic traditions.

This exhibition features works by Huang Junbi (1898-1991) and Hu Yefu (1908-1980), representing traditional approaches to brush and ink. We also showcase an early work from 1941 by C. C. Wang, which captures his youthful obsession with mastering brush techniques. This piece is contrasted with a later work from Wang’s mature years, revealing the evolution of his artistry. Yu Peng (1955-2014) brings a fresh, unconventional approach to brushwork, introducing bold colors and innovative compositions that pushed the boundaries of ink painting at the turn of the 20th century. Chen Danqing (b. 1953), known primarily for his oil paintings, demonstrates a deep respect for traditional calligraphy, with brushwork that recalls the style of Ming dynasty masters. Finally, the collaborative work of Michael Cherney (b. 1969) and Arnold Chang (b. 1954) represents the modern extension of brush and ink into the contemporary art world, where tradition and innovation meet.

To learn more, click here.