The " Life drawing " project aims to provide artists with a relaxed and open platform, which is not limited to the conventional concept of life drawing. Every artist is free to define and express its meaning, according to their own practice and ideas. " Life drawing " is part of Platform China’s year-long project "Jungle II". Participating artists include: Bi Jianye, Cui Cancan, Duan Jianyu, Feng Xiaoguang, Huang Liang, Li Dafang, Li Songsong, Liu Xiaohui, Ma Ke, Qin Qi, Wang Xingwei, Wang Yin, Xiang Nan, Xiao Bo, Xie Nanxing, Zhang Yexing, Zhao Gang, Zhou Yilun.
Qin Qi, Colorful Landscape, 2013; oil on canvas, 80x104x3.5cm（with frame），70x100cm
Xie Nanxing, Untitled, 2013; Oil on canvas, 30x40x3cm
Since the 1980’s, the extensive use and accessibility of photographic techniques and equipment have pushed certain artists to adopt technological methods to research their work over more traditional ones, primarily for their convenience.
As a result, the definition of life drawing and the way it is executed has also changed: the concept of "Life drawing/painting" or “Sketching” has nowadays become increasingly diverse and broad. As a form of painting, it can be perceived as an original art form in itself, it can sometimes be far more introverted than a finished piece and becomes a painting that artist paints for himself. "Life drawing/painting" can be an alternative way to paint, it can be a collage of daily material, which supplements painted works, and also provides a unique insight into the artist’s understanding of painting.
Wang Weixing, Huan Tie Landscape No.1, 2013; oil on canvas, 100x80x3cm
Feng Xiaoguang, Landscape 02, 2010; acrylic on paper, 67x56x3cm（with frame）,48x38cm
Photographs provide visual references to support the artwork, but cannot completely replace the life drawing. Life drawing/ painting represents an enjoyable exercise for artists, it helps to define, explore and carry out leading creative ideas; it also helps to get a more sophisticated understanding of the world we live in. Life drawing remains very important to this day, whether it is to improve painting techniques, collect material and enrich one’s experience of life, bridge the gap between the artwork and the world it is created in or simply as a creative practice.
Zhang Yexing, Sketch-Yard, 2013; Oil on canvas, 60cmX50cm
Xiang Nan, Iron Shell in Deepwater, 2013; Oil on canvas, 52x70x3cm,2013
About the exhibition
Duration: 28 Sep - Dec 30, 2013
Venue: Platform China Contemporary Art Institute
Opening: 28 Sep, 2013, 15:00
Tel: 010-64320091
Add: 319-1 Art Eastern Zone A, Caochangdi Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing
Courtesy of the artists and Platform China Contemporary Art Institute, for further information please visit www.platformchina.org.
