Due to the fact that special modeling ability is highly required, Painting of animal themes went entirely declining after the Yuan Dynasty when the Imperial Painting Academy was abolished. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, literati painting became the mainstream and painters preferred landscapes, bird-and-flowers and so on. Animal was only an occasional subject in their paintings, not the majority. Until the Republic of China, the animal paintings rejuvenated against a background when pop culture rose suddenly and artifacts and artists were both commercialized.

In modern and contemporary painting circles, Lingnan artists were exceptionally outstanding in animal painting. Ju Lian and Ju Chao were apt to birds and animals, especially at shrimps, crabs, frogs and lizards. Influenced by their study in Japan as well as by modern Japanese paintings and Western natural-science paintings, Gao Jianfu, Chen Shuren and Gao Qifeng, the founders of Lingnan Painting School, have had deep researches into animal modeling. Because they had a reforming ideal in politics and art, the animals and beasts under their painting brushes, such as lions, tigers and eagles, turned into spiritual symbols to encourage people and awaken the nation.

Among the second generation Lingnan artists, Zhao Shao’ang (1905—1998) had made great achievements in animal painting. Influenced by Gao Jianfu’s artistic thinking, he absorbed much nourishment from external sources and demonstrate a harmonious blending of Chinese and Western art. He grasped the wonder of nature and sought for a perfect synthesis of nature and art. Technically speaking, his works are dynamic yet refreshing with forceful and fluid strokes. Animals in his paintings are vividly portrayed with accurate modeling.

Differed from his teacher, Zhao’s animal paintings have a strong political sense. Regarding the subject matters, Zhao often chose animals from South China such as peakcock, tiger, monkey, dog, snake, bat, rat, bird, fish and insect to meet the taste of local common people. He was skillful at capturing the movements of these animals, which was completely different from the standard of static beauty pursuited in classic paintings and more of the taste of modern public. Zhao paid much attention to depict the light and shadow, the volumn of air and the texture of the subjects. Under his painting brush, beasts are given shiny furs, birds with fluffy feathers and insects with fluttering wings. His excellent ability of demonstration is a reflection of his outstanding sketching skill. Besides accurate modeling of the subject matter, Zhao also emphasized the artistic conception of a painting and created a style that is appreciated by both amateurs and professionals. The famous painter Wu Zuoren once referred to Zhao’s art as: “His powerful strokes embrace his integrity and mild temper; his paintings are charming but not extravagant, meticulous but not calculating, powerful and graceful, stylish and elegant.” The comment is a perfect conclusion of Zhao’s artistic strength.

In this exhibition, we select a collection of Zhao’s animal paintings. We hope every audience will enjoy and appreciate the event.