Jiang Zhaohe (1904-1986), was born in Lu Zhou, Si Chuan province, was a great master of the 20th century Chinese modern ink and wash, Chinese realistic artist, educator.

In 1920, he was a costume designer in ShangHai. In 1927, he was a teacher in National Central University. He has teaches sketch in ShangHai Academy of fine Arts during 1930 to 1932. In 1937, he was an educator in BeiPing Academy of fine Arts. In 1950, he joined Central Academy of Fine Arts and began to teach painting there.

Jiang Zhaohe was one of artists with changeable idea since The May 4th Movement. He was influenced by Xu Beihong’s theory of realism and assertion of Chinese painting reforming. He put Chinese traditional ink and wash skills together with western mould methods so as to greatly rich the form of expression of Chinese ink and wash figure painting. Traditionally, ancient Chinese figure painters often depicted somewhat stereotyped images of court ladies, hermits, or scholar officials. This situation did not change until the early 20th century when the two masters, Xu Beihong and Jiang Zhaohe introduced the Western realistic way of painting into China. His style has been rated as another masterpiece describing real-life circumstances and reflecting the weal and woe of the people.

Jiang Zhaohe introduced sketch into traditional Chinese figure paintings. He made arduous efforts to start a new era, leading a new trial amid thorns. 

We sincerely hope that this exhibition can help people understand his art.