Wu Guanzhong's Revolutionary Ink Paintings at Asia Society Museum
Between April 25 and August 5, 2012, the Asia Society Museum in New York City showcased "Revolutionary Ink: The Paintings of Wu Guanzhong" (1919-2010). This exhibition highlighted the artwork of Wu, who navigated through significant political upheaval, including the Cultural Revolution, during which he lost many of his creations. Although he studied in Paris and visited America, Wu retained a distinct Chinese perspective. His pieces often featured traditional themes but were marked by bold brushwork and unique color choices. Among his prominent works were "Pines and Rocks of the Lao Mountains" (1987) and "Spring and Autumn of the Motherland" (1997). The exhibition celebrated Wu's unique artistic voice and its impact on emerging Chinese artists, complemented by insights from his "Abstraction and Form."
Key facts
- Exhibition dates: April 25 to August 5, 2012
- Location: Asia Society Museum, 725 Park Avenue at 70th Street, New York City
- Artist: Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010)
- Wu destroyed many paintings in 1966 and was banned from painting during 1970-71 exile
- Wu studied oil painting in Paris in the late 1940s
- Wu described himself as a formalist focusing on abstract beauty
- Exhibition included works like "Pines and Rocks of the Lao Mountains" (1987) and "The Grand Canyon of America" (1990)
- Some paintings were grouped as 'Abstractions' in the exhibition
Entities
Artists
- Wu Guanzhong
- Clement Greenberg
- Liu Haiping
Institutions
- Asia Society Museum
- National Art Museum of China
- Burlington Magazine
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- China
- Paris
- France
- Lao Mountains
- Yangtze River
- Taihang Mountains
- Longxu Island
- Grand Canyon