Gao Xingjian: Within the Gaze

Gao Xingjian’s paintings convey contemporary inspiration in the form of traditional Chinese ink painting. He has established a new ink wash painting style that is a combination of the techniques for traditional Chinese ink painting and the formal qualities of the modern abstract style from the West. He has well incorporated the monochromatic nature of ink paining to portray the movement of light and to awaken the viewers’ senses and emotion. With his exploration in light and shadow, he brings the viewers into the space and time of meditation. His smooth brush movement is like the gentle rhythm of music that floats in the air, while the blank space gives the viewers unlimited room for imagination. In contrast with the small figurative forms and the quiet atmosphere, the extensive and delicate images create a Zen inspiration, and effectively reflect life marked by vicissitudes.