A collection of nearly one hundred modern Chinese ink paintings worth untold millions will be on display in Hong Kong as a part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of Christie’s auction house in Hong Kong. A number of pieces in the show are on loan from a Singaporean collection that boasts paintings from a time period of more than a hundred years.
A Singapore collector recently made waves in the art world by auctioning off a modern Chinese ink painting for nearly $50 million, drawing renewed interest into the collections and offerings of this genre of painting in Singapore. Many of the attendees of the Hong Kong festivities expressed surprised that such a fine collection of ink paintings came from Singapore. What is even more special is that a number of Chinese ink painting aficionados traveled from Singapore to see the unique display in Hong Kong.
The ink painting exhibit is being held in conjunction with another show that features work from well-known Western artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The duality of these shows is an offering of fine work encompassing traditions from the entire world, and is a true international celebration of Christie’s work in bringing art to new places all the time.
Chinese ink paintings cover a variety of themes and subjects, but they are all united in basic similarities, such as the use of ink of various hues to complete the works of art. Sweeping brush strokes and abstract, gestural lines suggest anything from mountains to dense foliage of trees, leaving it up to the viewers’ imaginations to believe in the suggestions of shapes and things. Figures present in these paintings are generally wearing traditional garb and might represent simple, everyday activities. There might even be Chinese characters included on the work of art, recording a poem or observations of the artists in one of the corners of the piece. These types of works are often celebrated for their minimalistic nature, employing the use of negative space to give the sense of peace and intense focus on the subject matter. Some of the more historic pieces were even used as aids in meditation practices.
Delve into the history of art by taking a class on Chinese ink painting today. Learn the tips and techniques necessary to complete ink paintings of your own, and you might even find that your stress from everyday life will melt away as you put brush to paper and canvas. Even if ink painting might not be your particular interest, you can visit SGArtClass.com to find a variety of different art classes available, from portrait painting to cityscape photography to pastel drawing. Teachers will be on hand to help you complete projects that inspire you and ignite your artistic imagination.
For more on the priceless collection of Chinese ink paintings and the anniversary celebrations for Christie’s in Hong Kong, go to http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/priceless-spore-collection-of-paintings-on-show-in-hk.
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