Fang Zengxian Retrospective Showcases a Lifetime of Artistic Exploration

How can Chinese painting portray modern people? How can traditional brushwork respond to new life experiences? And how can artists develop new ways of creating?

These questions shaped the artistic journey of Fang Zengxian, a major pioneer of modern Chinese figure painting, a leading figure of the Zhejiang School of Figure Painting and the former curator of the Shanghai Art Museum.

"Beyond the Unexplored: Fang Zengxian Retrospective," a major exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of the museum, is now on view. It brings together nearly 400 works and sets from different stages of Fang's career, including Chinese paintings, calligraphy, oil paintings, sculptures, watercolors and manuscripts.

The exhibition focuses on Fang's lifelong exploration of how to use traditional Chinese painting to show modern people and everyday life. His works show people from different backgrounds and capture the spirit of their time.

Among the highlights are some of his best-known works, including "Every Grain Is Hard-Earned," "Talking About the Red Book," "Sunny Days," "Mother," "Heaven Worship" and "Dragon Dance in Hometown." The exhibition is the largest and most comprehensive retrospective of Fang to date.

The show is divided into five sections: "Shaping," "Forging," "Charting a Huapu," "Seeking transformation," and "Reaching beyond." Together, they trace Fang's exploration of artistic language, creative methods and the development of Chinese figure painting.

Visitors can also see numerous sketches, study drawings and teaching drafts, including materials related to his influential book, "How to Paint Ink-Wash Figures." These works offer a closer look at how Fang developed a systematic approach to painting and passed his knowledge on to generations of artists.

Fang once said: "In the past, I painted images; later, I created images." His art focuses on people and their lives in changing times, while exploring how traditional Chinese brushwork can portray the modern world.

Looking closely at the original works, visitors can see the rich layers of ink and brushwork that are hard to fully capture in photos. Fang's figures feel lively and real, showing his deep interest in people and life.

If you go

Date: Through November 15

Venue: Shanghai Art Museum (China Art Palace), 0-meter-level Foyer, Central Hall and Galleries 20-23 上海美术馆(中华艺术宫)0米层序厅、中厅、20-23号展厅

Address: 205 Shangnan Road 上南路205号

Admission: Free admission, no reservation required.