Vigor of Style at DUCTAC’s Gallery of Light

Vigor of Style is a contemporary Chinese art exhibition taking place at DUCTAC’s Gallery of Light from 18th – 25th August 2011. The show brings together seven internationally acclaimed Chinese artists: Xu Weixin, Tan Ping, Qin Feng, Ye Henggui, Zhang Fangbai, Ma Baozhong and Tong Yan Runan. What these artists have in common is that they have studied, digested and developed the strong points of western painting without abandoning Chinese tradition and culture. Their works are at once contemporary and deeply rooted in history; consequently, they have created a style of Chinese painting marked by Chinese spirit.

The works of these artists reveal what is known in China as ‘Vigor of Style’ – a basic concept and term in ancient Chinese articles. To possess delicacy of skill with vigor of execution reveals one of the highest ancient aesthetic demands of Chinese art. According to an old Chinese saying, “One must begin with style to express sorrow and disappointment; lamenting with words should not come before vigor”. It is believed that a person can no more be lively without ‘vigor’ than they could stand up without bones.

As well as demonstrating ‘Vigor of Style’ the exhibited works will explore themes of modern China and historical responsibility and display the independent humanistic spirit of contemporary Chinese artists.

Vigor of Style: Contemporary Chinese Art
Location: Gallery of Light, DUCTAC,
Level 2, Mall of the Emirates
Dates: Thursday 18th – 25th August, 2011
Opening Hours: 2pm – 10pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.ductac.org
Phone: 04 341 4777
Email: artsreception@ductac.org

Participating artists:

Xu Weixin
Born in 1958 in Xinjiang and graduated from Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts with master’s degree. Standing vice dean and professor in the Art Institute, Renmin University. Member of Oil Painting Art Committee, China Artists Association; Director of Chinese Oil Painting Association.

Tan Ping
Born in Yantai, Shandong Province in 1960 and graduated from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1984 with bachelor’s degree. Studied in the Department of Free Oil in Berlin Arts University from 1989 to 1994 with master’s degree and Meisterschule. Vice dean and professor of China Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Qin Feng
Graduated from Shandong Institute of Arts and Crafts in 1985. Acted as arts ambassador invited by Berlin Municipal Government, Germany as well as teacher in Berlin Arts University from 1996 to 1999. Engaged by China Central Academy of Fine Arts as postgraduate tutor in 2007. Works and resides in Boston since 1999.

Ye Henggui
Born in Ma Anshan in 1962. Graduated from the Department of Oil Painting, China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1989. Studied in the postgraduate class of China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1998. Acted as teacher in the Arts Department, Huazhong Normal University in 1989. Acting as teacher in the Arts Department, Arts Institute, Hunan Normal
University .

Zhang Fangbai
Born in Hengyang, Hunan in 1965. Member of China Oil Painting Society. Graduated from the 4th workshop, the Oil Painting Department, China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1991. Studied in the high seminar for the 1st doctor’s course of the Oil Painting Department in China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2002. Acting as dean of oil painting teaching-research section, Arts Design Department, Beijing Youth University for Political Science.

Ma Baozhong
Born in Nehe City, Heilongjiang Province in 1965. Studied in the 2nd workshop, the Oil Painting Department, China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1987. Professional artist.

Tong Yan Runan
Born in Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province in 1978. Associate professor and doctor in China Central Academy of Fine Arts. Vice chairman of The Art Display & Decoration Committee of China. Curator of the West Lake Modern Gallery.