Initiated by Professor and artist Li Qing, the group exhibition will showcase works from 12 artists of the Fourth Studio from the Oil Painting Department at China Academy of Art, several of whom are making their debut in commercial gallery exhibitions.
For both artists and viewers, the debut moment offers a dual-perspective aesthetic experience—Similar to the challenge faced by actors in connecting their expressiveness with the audience’s expectations in their performances. In this context, however, the focus shifts to the paintings of emerging artists, with the audience comprising seasoned professionals and figures from the art market. Intuition and immediate reaction come first, when viewers first encounter a work, they catch a glimpse of the artist’s personal interpretation of lived experience. This quick, passing moment, sparked by the artwork's visual impact, may later evolve through reflection, examination, or critique, ultimately leading to a state of thoughtful contemplation.
As the initiator, Li Qing emphasizes, the study and practice of painting ontology must start from the individual perspective, considering the visual context shaped by contemporary human existence, and then extract it into a personal artistic language. Whether through collage, realistic reconstruction, atmospheric composition, or abstract expression, artists need to develop and refine their own experimental painting approaches, blending them with academic theory to establish a unique narrative framework. Furthermore, Li Qing encourages emerging artists to venture into unfamiliar fields, such as exploring the cultural landscapes and art scenes of unfamiliar cities, in order to expand their vision and gain experience through practice.
Li Qing teases himself as the “broadcast station” in this exhibition, taking on the role of the front-line sentinel of the landing operation. As a mentor, he shares his own appreciations, the latest trend news, and offers a window for external communication and vision. As a senior peer, he shares his creative experiences with the younger generation, encouraging them to persevere in their artistic journeys.
While Clifford Geertz’s assertion that “Culture is public because meaning is.” holds validity, the experiences shaped by the intricate inner worlds of individuals, as well as the external information they absorb, may hold even greater significance. In this light, we must also embrace the bold, raw, and energetic artists who are attempting to break into the seemingly commercialized cultural boundaries. The path these artists follow may inevitable, but it ultimately leads them to a shared goal. However, their efforts to secure a claim in this complex and evolving market, may be the intense moment that truly showcases the “multitude” of diverse perspectives.