“Resonance – Exhibition of Teachers from China Central Academy of Fine Arts” is about to open at the Indonesia National Gallery on February 20, 2014. Seven participating artists include Zhan Jianjun, Luo Erchun, Xie Dongming, Hong Ling, Liu Xiaodong, Yu Hong, Liu Shangying, who are all from the most influential and authoritative art academy in China – Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA), and teach at the Third Studio of CAFA, the exhibition is like a microcosm of the Chinese contemporary art world, focusing on presenting the recent creations by three generations of artists who are active in the current Chinese art world, hoping to start from the exhibition to showcase the heritage context of Chinese contemporary art, as well as the diverse and rich status quo of development.

Zhan Jianjun and Luo Erchun are representatives of the third generation of Chinese oil painters, although they are elderly, their art creations remain strong in vitality, their early representative works and recent creations will be on display at the exhibition. Latest creations by Hong Ling and Liu Shangying are also about to debut at the exhibition. In addition, artists are specially invited to Indonesia with their creations which are presented at the exhibition, they go into the everyday life of Indonesia, through a field study, by the vision of the “otherness” they focus on the country, concerning the local individual ordinary lives, and an interpretation of the unique art form.

Artist Xie Dongming starts from the perspective of ordinary people living in Indonesia, he uses extensive strokes and bright colors to interpret the bitterness and happiness of the grassroots. Artist Yu Hong finds a new way to express and brings the emotional quality of a female artist into play, boldly learning from the local clothing and ethnic ornamentations in Indonesia, showcasing exotic paintings. Artist Liu Xiaodong unfolds his unique style of live painting, on-site creating the theme of a family party in Jakarta, his skillful realism technique and improvisational inspiration bursting forth which is really exciting.

In China, academy is an important platform to develop vibrancy in the art circles. Art education of the academy plays a key role in the prosperity of Chinese contemporary art, it has trained a large number of outstanding talent in contemporary art circles, and is considered at the forefront of original art in China. Founded in 1959, academy characteristics of the third studio are to focus on the expressive quality of oil painting, national spirit, and individual creations, while it has trained many influential talents and produced outstanding creations for the development of Chinese oil painting and art education over the years.

The seven participating artists are on behalf of three generations including the old, middle-aged, and young who are active in the present Chinese art world, it is a microcosm that showcases the heritage of Chinese contemporary art, as well as the diverse and rich status quo of development, hoping to promote the art and cultural exchange between China and Indonesia, in order to enhance mutual understanding between the two countries. “Resonance” is the theme, not only acknowledging the unique charm of art that crosses borders, transcending geographical limitations, advocating resonation, but also hoping that it can produce much more thrilling energy through the artistic exchange and collision.

About the exhibition

Title: Resonance - Exhibition of Teachers from China Central Academy of Fine Arts

Venue: Indonesia National Gallery in Jakarta

Duration: February 20 - February 27, 2014

Artists: Zhan Jianjun, Luo Erchun, Xie Dongming, Hong Ling, Liu Xiaodong, Yu Hong, Liu Shangying

Curators: Guo Fangfang & Rizki A. Zaelani

Courtesy of the artists and Indonesia National Gallery, translated by Chen Peihua and edited by Sue/CAFA ART INFO.