Wu Guanzhong: Beauty Beyond Form

A giant among artists of his generation, Wu Guanzhong (1919 –2010) is celebrated for his distinctive synergy of Western oil painting and Chinese ink aesthetics, as well as his modernisationof Chinese ink painting. “To indigenise oil painting and to modernise Chinese painting,” Wu said, “are two sides of the same face.” A clear objective to highlight Wu’s unique practice and his significant contributions to the discourse of modern Chinese painting drives the exhibition Beauty Beyond Form which spans over 50 years of his career. Including reproductions of works from the exhibition and a detailed biographical timeline, this catalogue also features essays that expand upon themes of the exhibition, and offer insight into Wu’s beliefs in relation to the function of art.

Publisher: National Gallery Singapore
Author Biography: Cai Heng holds a PhD in Art History and Theory from The University of Sydney and is currently Curator at National Gallery Singapore. She has played key curatorial roles in exhibitions including Seeing the Kite Again Series II: Wu Guanzhong Donation Exhibition (2011), Chua Ek Kay: After the Rain (2015), Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore since the 19th Century (2015) and Wu Guanzhong: Beauty Beyond Form (2015). Her research interests focus on modern and contemporary ink, and the issues of Chinese modernity and the art of the Chinese diaspora.
Language: English and Chinese
Country of Origin: Singapore
Page count: 192
Binding: Paperback
Search words: Wu Guanzhong, Chinese ink, oil, painting, ink painting, modern