KENBO's ink and book arts explore memory and ecology at TRAFO Szczecin
The TRAFO Center for Contemporary Art Szczecin showcases a detailed exhibition of Chinese artist KENBO (Liang Guojian), who was born in 1973 amidst the Cultural Revolution. This display fosters a thoughtful exchange between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, employing various artistic techniques, philosophical insights, and social involvement. Raised in rural Foshan, Guangdong Province, KENBO received early training in traditional Chinese painting. At the age of seventeen, his peers dubbed him “KENBO” (“Old Ken”) due to his mature demeanor and enthusiasm for classical literature and history, a moniker that eventually became his artistic identity. His diverse body of work includes experimental ink and book arts, exploring themes of human memory and ecological degradation.
Key facts
- KENBO (Liang Guojian) was born in 1973 during the Cultural Revolution.
- The exhibition is at TRAFO Center for Contemporary Art Szczecin.
- KENBO grew up in Foshan, Guangdong Province, rural southern China.
- He was trained in traditional Chinese painting from an early age.
- His nickname 'KENBO' ('Old Ken') was given by classmates at age 17.
- The exhibition creates dialogue between Eastern and Western traditions.
- His work spans experimental ink and book arts.
- Themes include human memory and ecological decline.
Entities
Artists
- KENBO
- Liang Guojian
Institutions
- TRAFO Center for Contemporary Art Szczecin
Locations
- Szczecin
- Poland
- Foshan
- Guangdong Province
- China