In the 21st century, advancements in human technology, the ease of sharing information through public networks, and improvements in deep-sea exploration techniques and photography equipment have expanded and diversified our perspectives. Lionfish, with their splendid charm, not only invite us to the Dragon Palace but also showcase their courage in interacting with humans, displaying their enchanting colors before our eyes.
The definition of an "artist" lies in the ability to give life to new and enchanting images perceived by the "eye" through the hands of the creator. In the Six Laws of Chinese painting by Xie He, principles such as "transmitting models, lively expression of spirit, depicting things realistically, skillful brushwork, etc.," are emphasized. However, these are rarely seen in the contemporary Chinese art scene. I believe this is due to most artists focusing excessively on the "inheritance of artistic styles" and leaning towards pursuing and liberating interests in traditional Chinese painting content. This has led to a perception of Chinese painting as having only an "expressive brushstroke" style, neglecting the requirement to depict real scenic beauty.
Since the Qin Dynasty, Chinese painting has primarily expressed content through lines, leading to the saying "calligraphy and painting share the same origin." The use of color is vibrant, aiming to attract the viewer's attention. Desiring to convey a sense of "dynamic description," there is a strong connection between powerful line expression and "stone carvings," "brick carvings," or "stele rubbings." Due to the development of Chinese calligraphy brushes, while the public pursues realistic depictions of scenery, they also discover the charm of brushstrokes in motion. This has led to the development of the so-called "literati painting." As for the debate between meticulous and freehand painting, opinions vary.
The Lingnan School originated from the "Separate Mountain School" founded by Mr. Juchao and Mr. Julian in the 18th century. The true spirit of the school comes from the Revolutionary Nationalist painting school "Three Highs and One Chen," represented by Chen Shuren (1883-1948) and Gao Jianzhi (1879-1951), Gao Qifeng (1889-1933), and Gao Jianseng, three brothers. They injected new life into Chinese painting with the slogan of "artistic revolution, revolutionary art" (revolution, era, inclusiveness, innovation). Mr. Zhao Shao'ang learned from Gao Qifeng, later establishing the "Lingnan Art Academy" and greatly promoting the "Lingnan School" to its current renowned status.
Mr. Shao'ang, fleeing the war in Guangzhou, relocated to Hong Kong, where the Lingnan School flourished on this land of information freedom and frequent cultural exchanges between East and West. The style of Lingnan painting emerged from traditional Chinese art, incorporating the Eastern painting style that underwent the Meiji Restoration in the 18th century Japan. They observed the path of pioneers: at that time, the technical skills and realism of Western watercolor paintings greatly influenced the Japanese art scene, with outstanding works by artists such as Takeuchi Seiho, Yokoyama Taikan, and Sesshu. Today, Lingnan painters also face challenges from various Western painting techniques (such as oil painting, spray painting, etc.) and styles (impressionism, abstract art, Fauvism, Dadaism, surrealism, etc.), making artistic creation more difficult and daunting. Through the historical mission, I attempt to present the splendid beauty of lionfish with my limited accomplishments before the eyes of art enthusiasts who appreciate beautiful things.
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