On September 21st, Yuan Yunsheng's solo exhibition “Look into the Distance” was held at the Platform China Contemporary Art Institute in Beijing 798 art zone. The exhibition focuses on paintings made in ink by Yuan Yunsheng from 1982 to 1996 during his stay in the United States, revealing the artist's creative explorations in art.

The famous artist Yuan Yunsheng was born in Nantong, Jiangsu Province in 1937. He enrolled at the China Central Academy of Fine Arts in 1955 and studied under Dong Xiwen. In 1978, Yuan went on a sketching trip to Jinghong, Lincang, and other places in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, and his artwork " Yunnan Sketch Collection, caused a sensation in the art community. In 1979, Yuan returned to Beijing and participated in the mural painting — Water Festival, Song of Life for the Beijing Capital International Airport, which became a shining chapter in the history of modern Chinese art.

According to the organizers, Yuan Yunsheng's artistic creation process spanned more than half a century, and this exhibition intercepted a section of his artistic exploration. In August 1982, Yuan was invited to visit the United States and taught at Tufts University, University of Massachusetts, Smith College, and Harvard University. In the following fourteen years, Yuan made extensive explorations in creation. He constantly explored and pursued the aesthetic resources contained in Chinese culture, full of respect and admiration. Meanwhile, he still uses oriental ink, brushes, and Chinese art paper for his creations, and widely adopted a variety of new materials such as wax, oil, and wood boards.

The works in the exhibition no longer focus on specific realistic themes, with the image of people reflected by abstract elements. Scholar Wang Min'an commented: "Yuan Yunsheng activated the inherent fluidity and permeability of ink painting...He let this energy and power surge freely on paper. These skills are so powerful as if to rush out of the painting and rush to the edge of the paper.”

It is worth noting that the exhibition also presents relevant documents and pictures, providing clues for the audience to explore his creative ideas. The exhibition will be on display until October 23.

Translator: WANG Jiahui

Reviewer: YE Lijuan