Jason C. Kuo Livres

Focusing on the Haipai style, this study delves into the visual culture of Shanghai from the 1850s to the 1930s, analyzing paintings and other media to reveal the complex interactions between China and the West. It highlights the everyday experiences of treaty-port Chinese and the significance of Shanghai's emergence as a major metropolitan hub. The book is relevant for art historians and scholars in various fields, including history, gender studies, and cultural studies, addressing themes of art patronage, nationalism, colonialism, and women's representation.

The exploration of Gao Xingjian's paintings in this study highlights the intricate relationship between his visual art and literary work, revealing a synthesis often overlooked in Western thought. Lavishly illustrated, the book deepens appreciation for Xingjian as a cultural polymath, shedding light on the connections between his dual artistic expressions and their significance in the broader context of contemporary art and literature.

Lo Ch'ing stands out as a leading figure among contemporary Chinese poet-painters, blending traditional literati techniques with modern Western influences. This synthesis allows him and his peers to innovate within the rich heritage of Chinese painting, rediscovering abstract and expressionistic elements unique to their culture. Their work not only honors traditional practices but also enriches the contemporary art scene, showcasing how modern Chinese artists can effectively navigate and merge diverse artistic traditions.

Huang Pin-hung's artistic journey reflects a deep engagement with the tension between tradition and modernity in early 20th-century China. His work illustrates the struggle to balance cultural heritage with innovative expression amidst a backdrop of significant political and social upheaval. Through extensive writings and a commitment to evolving the Chinese ink-painting tradition, he sought to redefine artistic boundaries while grappling with the philosophical implications of "old" versus "new." His legacy is a testament to the complexities of modern Chinese art.

Modern Chinese painting embodies the constant renewal and reinvigorations of Chinese civilization amidst rebellions, reforms, and revolutions, even if the process may appear confusing and bewildering. It also demonstrates the persistence of tradition and limits of continuities and changes in modern Chinese cluture. Most significantly, it compels us to ask several important questions in the study of modern Chinese culture: How extensively can cultural tradition be re-interpreted before it is subverted? At what point is creative re-invention an act of betrayal of tradition? How has selective borrowing from Chinese tradition and foreign cultrue enabled modern Chinese artists to sustain themselves in the modern world? By focusing on the art of Huang Pin-hung (1865-1955), particularly his late work, this book attempts to provide some answers to these questions.