On Pan Tianshou and Ink Art

Volume 21, March 2024
by Zheng Chongbin


Article Description

Pan Tianshou established the foundation for ink painting education at the China Academy of Art (CAA), emphasizing both tradition and innovation. His philosophy, based on humanity, literature, calligraphy, and nature, fostered generations of artists. In this article Zheng Chongbin discusses the debate between inheriting tradition and creating new forms in Chinese painting. While Pan Tianshou and his contemporaries focused on individualized revitalization within traditional frameworks, others like Lin Fengmian and Zao Wou-Ki pushed for a more radical deconstruction leading to modern and contemporary ink painting. Zheng Chongbin points out the importance of ambiguity and openness in artistic thinking, allowing for diverse interpretations and multicultural exchange. This has led to the evolution of contemporary ink art beyond its traditional form, influencing and being influenced by various cultures.


Related Keywords

Zheng Chongbin, Pan Tianshou, ink art, ink painting education, China Academy of Art (CAA)