In this solo exhibition by Fan Xuanchen, the intention is to explore the development of global ink art from the perspective of contemporary art, starting from the essence of Chinese ink painting. Through an academic exhibition format, the exhibition aims to depict the creative transformation and innovative development of ink art.
In Fan Xuanchen's landscape works, viewers will encounter a portrayal method starkly different from traditional painting techniques. She is hardly constrained by representational landscapes but, through her unique artistic approach, creates a grand and magnificent spatial imagery with diverse atmospheres. These pieces seem to transcend the constraints of the real world, leading viewers into a mysterious and expansive realm of art.
This series incorporates the technique of water rubbing and integrates the brushstrokes of Song dynasty landscapes. Water rubbing involves using special ink on the surface of water and the absorbency of paper to create a naturally flowing effect, freeing the technique from the constraints of traditional brushwork and allowing for greater expression of the characteristics of ink materials. Gold Xuan paper or gold card paper is selected for the paper, exhibiting different golden reflections and refractions at various angles. By flexibly employing various techniques in these paintings, the permeability of ink is greatly enhanced, continuously pioneering new avenues for ink creation in the contemporary painting field. She hopes that the contemporary innovation of Chinese painting will create a new painting language that is "uniquely Chinese, newly created by the world, and something the West does not possess."
Within these works, Fan Xuanchen delves into the relationship between Taoism, nature, and the universe. Drawing upon the philosophical concept of "the great Tao has no form, the great image has no name," she uses brush and ink to outline a realm beyond form and language. Viewers appreciating her pieces may sense a feeling of transcending the worldly, as if immersed in a dynamic and mystical domain.
Through her artworks, Fan Xuanchen not only depicts the form of landscapes but also explores the subtle connections between humanity, nature, and the universe. Her pieces are not merely images but profound reflections and expressions of the relationships between life, nature, and the universe. Intimate engagement with these artworks may prompt viewers to contemplate their own relationships with the surrounding world, experiencing the mysterious beauty of the formless and nameless great Tao.
Her artistic style leans towards abstract expressionism, showcasing ever-changing imagery while subtly conveying a sense of landscape. In her works, towering mountains, lush foliage, meandering rivers, and ethereal clouds and mist intertwine to form vibrant and rhythmic scenes.
With bold brushwork, she presents a unique and vivid atmosphere. Her works do not adhere strictly to traditional landscape painting techniques but, through abstract forms and expressive methods, she vividly captures the spirit and mood of the landscapes. Viewers engaging with her pieces may feel an emotional resonance beyond the material world, as if placed within an abstract yet concrete landscape.
Fan Xuanchen's artworks blend elements of abstraction and representation, delineating lively and dynamic scenes through varied imagery. Viewers savoring her pieces will be drawn to her unique brushwork and expressive techniques, experiencing a profound yet mysterious artistic charm. Her works not only depict the form of landscapes but also convey emotions and moods that transcend form, allowing viewers to feel the vivid and profound beauty of art within them.