Shanghai’s Yangpu District is currently hosting an extraordinary art exhibition that bridges cultures and artistic traditions. French philosopher Benoît Vermander is showcasing over 60 captivating Chinese ink paintings at Fudan University, creating a unique intersection of Eastern and Western art.
Vermander’s decade-long exploration of existence is vividly portrayed through his artworks, which draw inspiration from the fluidity of life, reminiscent of the ebb and flow of the sea and the vastness of the desert. Each piece offers viewers a glimpse into his deep contemplation of the ever-changing nature of existence.
Influenced by renowned French artists such as Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse, Vermander seamlessly integrates elements of Chinese ink painting into his oeuvre. Having resided in Shanghai for the past 15 years, his journey into Chinese artistry began in 1987 during his initial visit to China. It was his immersive experiences in Taiwan and Sichuan in the 1990s that allowed him to delve into the techniques of Chinese painting, laying the foundation for his distinctive style.
Reflecting on his artistic evolution, Vermander emphasizes the profound impact of both Chinese and French artistic traditions. He credits his time in China for instilling the courage to pursue painting and highlights how his exploration of calligraphy ignited his passion for visual expression.
Visitors to the exhibition will notice the seamless fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics in Vermander’s works. While traditional Chinese ink painting techniques depict serene landscapes with water and mountains, evocative of Chinese culture, interspersed within are unmistakable Western motifs such as birds and monochromatic elephants. These elements are characterized by a contemporary design sensibility, making the collection both timeless and modern.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
