Lan Zhenghui: Ink Painting Dream

Ink Painting Dream, an exhibition showcasing Lan Zhenghui’s ink wash paintings will be on view at Contrasts Gallery in Shanghai from January 6 to March 15, 2011 at No. 181 Middle Jiangxi Road, G/F, Shanghai, China.

Lan Zhenghui‘s monumental paintings and striking use of black ink reflect his constant pursuit of expression and feeling. His works are “emotional bursts on paper” characterized by an abstract ink-splash style. Influenced by his background in science, Lan’s aesthetic moves deftly between the realms of the rational and irrational. His brushstrokes are created by systemic body movements, which contribute to the visual and spiritual impact of the works with the swelling of muscle, blood and physical power.

Lan’s work transmits the “strokes” of traditional Chinese calligraphy into the “structure” of modern painting, the “freehand” of traditional Chinese painting into the “expression” of modern painting, and replaces the “chi” found in Chinese ink brush tradition with his own “heavy ink” approach.

The exhibition will feature five series of works, which for Lan Zhenghui explore the basic principles at the origin of a painting. Each different series stresses aspects of Lan’s ink-painting dream. Thus, in his aesthetic, his dream is combined with scholarly thought. The Lovesickness series embodies a conflict of complex human emotions, while his Leap series symbolizes a pioneering spirit striving to make progress. Referring to one of the most important topics for our contemporary scholars, Leap conceptualizes the feeling of jumping as an epitome of heroism. The Standing series represents Lan’s artworks from the past and future, elaborating on his existence, value and significance as a person. The Hesitation series suggests misgivings, retrospection and hesitation, but also concentrates on the activities of the human heart, the power of thought and of contradiction. The final series, Satori refers to the sudden enlightenment achieved in Zen Buddhism. Lan’s Satori series expresses his insight on and perception of objects and their essence.