Francis Ng “1072 - 2022 • 1124 - 2022”

In the modern ink painting world, there is often debate about what constitutes true ink painting. Some argue that it must possess brush and ink to be considered as such, indispensable elements. Artists, challenging the traditional brush, seek to reinterpret the essence of Chinese landscape ink art through important works such as 'Early Spring' by Guo Xi from the Northern Song Dynasty in 1072 and 'Pine Winds in Myriad Valleys' by Li Tang from the Northern Song Dynasty in 1124.

These works not only reexamine the brushwork brilliance of ancient masters but also radiate new artistic charm through innovation. The technique of 'cun,' a hallmark of traditional Chinese ink painting, is ingeniously employed by artists, utilizing often overlooked parts of the brush to create unique textures, navigating between expressionism and realism, aiming to usher in a new chapter of Eastern impressionist ink painting.