Preface

"Vassa" has its origins in the ancient Indian Buddhist discipline. Lasting for three months, it entails monks residing in mountains and forests, dedicating themselves to the practice of meditation and spiritual growth. Consequently, the essence of "Vassa" lies in the profound realization that comes from introspection, leading to a state of deep enlightenment and the return to one's true nature.

In this group exhibition, seven exceptional artists, namely Li Xiuqin, Han Dong, Zhang Hao, Sang Huoyao, Yang Jian, Tian Wei, and Chen Yu, have been invited to showcase their latest masterpieces, totaling over 50 works. These artists, through their extensive artistic practice and decades of life experience, have realized that art creation originates from the depths of the heart. It is only by transcending the self and the material world that artistic forms and expressions can truly carry profound meaning and embody the transcendent Zen spirit of emptiness, spirituality, voidness, and tranquility. This state of art creation, defined by selflessness and emptiness, shares a common essence with the ultimate spirit of “Vassa,” both rooted in the tranquility of one's true nature after enlightenment.

As we observe the present moment, the post-pandemic era has ushered in a new cultural context characterized by volatility, complexity, and uncertainty in the world, accompanied by personal unease, anxiety, and struggle. Adapting to this changing world and addressing the spiritual crisis have become urgent and paramount concerns.  This exhibition takes the mood of the times as its starting point, engaging with the lived realities of individuals through serene, innocent, and harmonious Zen-inspired ink images, as well as the spirit of meditation. By emphasizing heartwarming humanistic care and an appreciation for the aesthetics of seclusion, this exhibition aims to foster harmony between individuals and their authentic inner selves.

Li Xiuqin

Li Xiuqin, born in 1953 in Qingdao, Shandong Province, obtained her bachelor's degree from the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now known as China Academy of Art) in 1982. In pursuit of further studies, she went on to the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art at University College London in 1988. In 1990, she completed her master's degree in sculpture at Manchester Metropolitan University School of Art in the United Kingdom.

Han Dong

Han Dong, born in 1958 in Dafeng, Jiangsu, obtained his degree from the Department of Arts and Crafts at Nanjing University of the Arts in 1986. Presently, he resides and works in Yangzhou, where he continues to pursue his artistic endeavors.

Zhang Hao

Zhang Hao, born in 1962 in Tianjin, Hebei, completed his studies at the Chinese Painting Department, studying under Professor Shu Chuanxi, at Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (now known as China Academy of Art) in 1985, and he subsequently joined the faculty. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of professor at the School of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy at the China Academy of Art, as well as director of the Contemporary Ink Research Institute. He currently resides and works in Hangzhou.

Sang Huoyao

Sang Huoyao, born in 1963 in Zhejiang Province, China, currently resides and works in Beijing. He received his master’s degree in Chinese Painting from the Chinese National Academy of Arts. Presently, he holds several esteemed positions including being a member of the Artistic Creation Steering Committee at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, the vice-president of China National Academy of Painting, and a National First-Level artist. Furthermore, he has gained valuable experience as a researcher at the “Wu Guanzhong Research Center” at Tsinghua University, further enhancing his rich and diverse background.

Yang Jian

Yang Jian, born in 1967, currently resides in Ma’anshan, Anhui. He began writing poetry in the 1980s and is recognized as one of the eminent poets in contemporary Chinese poetry. He has garnered prestigious awards including the Liu Lian Poetry Prize, the Rougang Poetry Prize, and the Annual Poet Award at the Chinese Literature and Media Awards. In the realm of painting, Yang Jian has been engrossed in the study of ink painting since the early 2000s, where he has skillfully crafted his own distinctive style.

Tian Wei

Tian Wei, born in 1973, graduated from the Chinese Painting Department of Capital Normal University. Following that, he pursued further studies in traditional Chinese painting under the guidance of Mr. Jia Youfu from the Central Academy of Fine Arts and Mr. Du Dakai from Tsinghua University. He holds the position of visiting professor at the Advanced Research Class for Composite Painting Language at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and is also an appointed painter at the Chinese Painting Creation Research Institute of the Ministry of Culture. He currently resides and works in Beijing.

Chen Yu

Chen Yu, a freelance painter, was honored with the China · 7th Acquired double the annual culture arts award (2017-2018). He was born in Leizhou, Guangdong Province in 1975 and obtained a master’s degree from the Oil Painting Department at Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in 2008. He currently works and lives in Songzhuang, Beijing.Beijing.

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