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Beloved bamboo inspires artists across the ages
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BAMBOO forests are widely spread across eastern China due to moisture climate and mountainous landscape. They are beloved as a symbol of winter, as they thrive vigorously in the snow, long after most other plants have withered.
Meanwhile, bamboo is also a symbol of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity and has been used as a metaphor for revolutionary struggle. Since they keep growing in winter, the trees are one of the “three friends of the cold,” along with pine and plum blossom. Also, bamboo grows upright with hollow stems, which symbolize integrity, and an open-minded and humble character.
Ever since ancient times, bamboo has been one of the common themes in ink paintings and literature.
Painters portrayed the persevering plant enduring chilly weather, while poets depicted it suffering coldness bravely.
Now, an exhibition displays bamboo-themed paintings is taking place in the West lake Art Gallery through May 1. Paintings from Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to Republic of China (1912-1949) showcase the bamboo’s deep influence on Chinese literature. Also, the exhibits on view reflect the traditional ink painting style on bamboo.
One highlight is the painting from Zheng Xie, who was one of the “Eight Odds of Yangzhou” that refers to eight ink-painting artists with similar styles during the middle of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Zheng is better known by his courtesy name Zheng Banqiao. As an exceptionally gifted painter, he abandoned traditional ideas and advocated an expressive and idiosyncratic style in art. In history, he was considered the greatest master of painting bamboo.
Another highlight comes from Jin Nong, also a member of “Eight Odds of Yangzhou.” By virtue of high achievements in painting, calligraphy, seal cutting and literature, Jin was believed the head of the eight masters.
Different from Zheng’s bamboo painting that simply portrayed bamboo branches, Jin’s painting described a monk meditating in front of bamboo forest — a picture with Buddhist ambience.
Another painting comes from Li Fangyong, also include in “Eight Odds of Yangzhou.” He was particularly good at painting bamboo, orchid, pine tree, plum bloom and stones. His works featured gonzo artistic style and strong personality, which are reflected by the displayed painting.
Date: Through May 1 (closed on Mondays)
Venue: West Lake Art Gallery, 25 Gushan Rd
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