Xu Beihong in Nanyang

Whilst enjoying the party at POP – Spring Party ‘08 at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), a casual conversation with my mates brought up the name of a Chinese artist, apparently the focus of the new exhibition at SAM.

A twist of fate and one season past, I stand at the gates of SAM once more, my appetite for beer and hotdog ever brewing. It is a daydream at best, but day-dream, the indication that a mind is healthy. A search this mind embarks, to seek a name.

“Xu Beihong” (徐悲鴻). That was it, the name that was being tossed into the air; made its round through young heads, making for the most intriguing, original conversation topic at a party.

The works contemplated, drawn out into serious contemplation on midspring night, serving as a prelude to his shades and strokes materialized. Anticipation of an artist Oriental, but of works more European.

“Tickets please!” reality screamed, liberating me from the grasps of Fantasy. There was serious work ahead.

“Xu Beihong in Nanyang”, the banner declared. It is co-organised by the Singapore Art Museum and the Xu Beihong Art Museum (Beijing), naturally displaying works by the eponymous artist.

This particular artist was renowned for his shuimohua (水墨畫), wonderful works in ink of scenery, and of the highest technical demands. Yet, Xu Beihong was also associated with the oil paintings more reminiscent of the Impressionists.

Claude Monet would surely have approved of the works that Xu Beihong produced, in particular, this piece that reminds us of the water surfaces synonymous with Monet’s later works.

Xu Beihong was a master of the mediums, and certainly a master of the techniques. Calligraphy, shuimohua, impressionism, depth of view, anatomical accuracy, these are the fundamentals of a good artist. The exhibition boasts the perfect line up to accentuate the diversity of Xu Beihong’s abilities.

With the addition of colours, Xu Beihong’s take on the traditionally monochromatic shuimohuas took on a new dimension of life. His potent cocktail of flat background elements combined with realistic gradation of tones on the figures of the foreground make for a picturesque work that straddles the chasm between realism and artistic liberty. This tremendous foresight marks an avant-garde approach which is a mark of distinction that sets him apart from the purely traditional or impressionist.

Where any mere mortal would be accused of a cheap attempt at reconciling the two very different art forms, Xu Beihong demonstrates his artistry in its purest form. Take a moment to examine his oil paintings, and to savour the rich textures, and the vividness of the colours; a realization and understanding descends, revealing the splendour of the art that confronts the audience.

In its pure, unadulterated forms, Xu Beihong’s oil paintings are ones that strike a harmonious balance, soothing and calming the thoughts. The photo-realistic paintings display an excellent sense of shadows and depth that mirrors the deep and complex personality that Xu Beihong possessed.

He had many names, an affectionate pursuer of the arts, a pioneer of modern Chinese paintings, and to some, the silly old man who rejected the works of Picasso and Matisse. Xu Beihong spent 8 years in France studying western art, and come to a conclusion that the works of Picasso and Matisse bore little innovative value. As president of the Chinese Central Academy of Fine Arts, that attitude led many to accuse Xu of setting back modern Chinese art. Then again, it is human to make mistakes, and human to not consider the contributions the man gave to Chinese art.

If he were absent from China’s art scene, one shudders at the thought of viewing only shuimohuas at a Chinese art exhibition.

It would be a pity to miss out on this exhibition. It is a chance of a life-time to view the collected works of one of the greatest artists in Chinese history. Due to the overwhelming response, the exhibition has been extended to August.

*whispers* All you lovely folks out there, entry to SAM is free after 6pm on Fridays.
I leave you with more shots of the exhibits. Cheers, and enjoy.

Chinese fan painted by Xu Beihong

A comparison of two pieces of art of the same subject. One, a sketch,, on in colour.

Calligraphy by Xu Beihong. It reads “Conquest in fury, sires a debate for a millenia”. Please pardon my “French”.

Xu Beihong in Nanyang Exhibition – The Singapore Art Museum
71 Bras Basah Road Singapore 189555
Mon – Sun : 10 am – 7 pm
Fri : 10 am – 9 pm
(Free admission from 12 noon – 2 pm on weekdays and after 6pm on Fridays)
For more information, visit http://www.nhb.gov.sg/SAM/Home/Xu%2BBeihong%2Bin%2BNanyang.htm