Hosted by CAFA, organized by the Printmaking Department of CAFA, CAFA Art Museum, planned by Su Xinping and Jin Jun, the exhibition features 35 prints of Jin Shangyi’s Classics. Among them 15 oil paintings, including “Tajik Bride”, “Plateau Love”, “Zhan Jianjun”, “Old Farmer from Yan’an”, “Huang Binhong”, etc., the classic works of the 1980s and 1990s; there’ are 20 prints and sketches, presenting the journey of the early exploration of Jin, which had been always adored by students. The exhibition aims to offer a chance for the public to enjoy the classics and the art lovers to study them closely. As Yue Jieqiong said, Jin Shangyi was an important figure in studying modern Chinese art history, especially the history of oil painting, and his works are exemplary. Therefore, it not only expands the propagation effect of the classics, but also offers the public an improved knowledge of the print of the classics, certainly for some, especially collectors who are able to improve the ability to appreciate the works. The introduction of these prints of classic works reduce the distance between the master and the public, who are able to visit the exhibition, see the album, and buy it. Works are presented in the F4 Exhibition Hall, and lasts until May 26, 2013.

Jin Shangyi, Sketch of Sanmenxia Building Site, 1956, 45x30cm

Jin Shangyi, Tibetan Herdsman, 1978, 39.3x26.2cm

Jin Shangyi, Huang Binhong, 1996, 115x99cm

Jin Shangyi, Drunkenness, 2001, 80x75cm

Jin Shangyi spent a lot of time and effort in this, directly involved in the whole process of printmaking, strictly controlling each link of each set of printmaking, paying attention to each subtle link, repeatedly taking the trouble to adjust and proofread the color of each print until attaining a good effect.

Over the years, there has always been a debate between the academic and business relationships of the art of printmaking. Jin Shangyi frankly stated: printmaking was different from other genres of art, with its own characteristics and functional properties, the art of printmaking should develop down the road of popularization and become more popular. If printmaking ignored the needs of the community, confined to the scope of the ivory tower of the academy, it would not develop and progress. Therefore, he suggested that printmaking should establish a relationship and cooperation with galleries and commercial organizations, to get out of the limitation and enable prosperity.

––Su Xinping

The prints of Jin Shangyi’ classics have restored the true feelings of the work, because the process of the replication of the works used a variety of techniques, including traditional means of replication, the most important being that of the use of high-tech digital means, in addition to various staff participating into the process, it is a new working way, filled with challenges and creation. With the mixture and staggered use of the traditional replication technique and digital technology, and the close cooperation of the artist and craftsmen, the complex and volatile process are made to accurately and delicately reflect the visual true and artistic feelings. The prints are the perfect renderings of the combination of art and technology.

––Tan Ping

About the exhibition

Duration: May 15 – May 26, 2013

Venue: F4 Exhibition Hall of CAFA Art Museum

Opening Time: 15:00 pm, on May 15, 2013

Organizers: Department of Printmaking of CAFA, CAFA Art Museum Curators: Su Xinping, Jin Jun Exhibition Coordinators: Wang Huangsheng, Tang BinEditor of the Atlas: Yue Jieqiong

Designer of the Catalogue: Lu Ying

Designer of the Exhibition: Yi Yi

Translated by Chen Peihua and edited by Sue/CAFA ART INFO