China Impressions

The art scene in China has been growing rapidly over recent years, with the art of printmaking (dating back 1400 years to the Tang dynasty) as one of its leading forms of expression. Working within, and extending this ancient tradition, printmaking in China today clearly demonstrates its importance by its quality, diversity of subject matter, and inventiveness in the use of techniques. Despite advances in modern media and communications, which has hugely facilitated the process for artists to approach a greater global market, knowledge of well-known Chinese artists is still largely limited outside of China. China Impressions was launched in London in 2019 by Danni Xie, as a showcase for Chinese printmakers. Their intention is to represent established artists, as well as support the emerging printmakers of a new generation.

“My being able to work closely with the artists, learning the various processes, and discovering what goes on behind the scenes, has been a great motivation for me in my attempts to build a bridge between the artists and their wider public, to build an international platform, which would enable access to Chinese printmakers artworks, without geographic restrictions and cultural barriers.”

Their most notable printmaking schools are those of the Sichuan black and white woodblock prints, which emphasise figure subjects; Jiangsu Shuiyin woodblock prints, which use water-soluble coloured inks, as well as multiple blocks per print; and the Great Northern Wildness School, with its non-key block, oil-based ink, wood blocking technique, mostly depicting regional landscapes which are boldly carved with strong and vivid colours.

In the work of Zheng Zijiang, one of the extraordinary artists from Heilongjiang province who China Impressions represent, one can see images presented through the use of a combination of engraved lines and dots of different tones, shapes, and densities. The outline of these images is achieved through the use of multiple blocks, which deliver vivid, delicate, and novel artistic effects. Inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, importing this charm was important for Zheng. With motifs of mountains, forests, streams, plants, birds, and animals; each romantic image is akin to a poem depicting a pure land, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Another artist whose work China Impressions support is Wang Xishan, who graduated from the printmaking department of Luxun Academy of Fine Arts. With over 40 years practice of printmaking, his distinctive language in depicting the human figure has been widely recognised. Wang’s work mostly portrays the lives of working-class people, and his vigorous application of knife marks accurately expresses the vitality of his characters. His work can be identified through his depiction of boldly carved human figures, in combination with beautifully decorative backgrounds.

A final example of another talented printmaker is Heilongjiang-based Chen Yanlong. His multi-award winning Corn Series is held in many international museum collections. The series juxtaposes images of corn and machines, symbolic of the invasion of nature by industrialization. Chen is also known for his Great Northern Wildness School landscapes, which exhibit magnificent composition, thoughtful details, and a strong application of oil-based colours.

China Impressions’ work helps to widen and further develop the appreciation of leading original prints and printmakers from China, increasing the exposure to a broader audience in the western market.

www.china-impressions.com
@china_impressions

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