Vase of Flowers
Guan Liang
1970-80s
- YEAR:Circa 1970-80s
- MEDIUM:Oil on canvas
- DIMENSIONS:35 × 30.6 cm
Introduction
Guan Liang was among the earliest artists to bring the ideas of Western modernist painting into traditional Chinese ink art. Known for his rich, saturated colours, he believed that colour was deeply emotional and should touch the viewer’s heart. His floral still lifes combine the boldness of Fauvism with the delicacy of traditional Chinese painting, embodying an artistic philosophy of “great skill appearing simple.” After the 1970s, still life became an essential focus in the evolution of Guan’s style. Vase of Flowers, created during this period, sets the bright yellow of the blossoms in sharp contrast against a blue background. The lines are unrestrained, yet infused with the aesthetic sensibility of Eastern ink painting. By using Western artistic methods to construct the spirit of Chinese xieyi (freehand expression), the work stands as a defining example of Guan Liang’s highly distinctive personal style.
