Exhibitions

‘Even it is artificial and made by human, but it seems like made by heaven ’ Ming Dynasty Zhi Cheng
 

In traditional Ink Painting it emphasize purchasing the beauty of nature, the artists depict the ‘essence’ in the painiting  through composition, line and colors.  From Han Dynasty, it further influence other area than painting, one of the most obvious one is the Chinese Garden.Chinese garden is focus on  "The essence arises beyond the form.", it means to "It is the elimination of boundaries between the macrocosm and microcosm, allowing the garden visitors to experience the meticulously crafted illusions designed by the landscaper,

This exhibition is trying to transform the real garden  into the imagination through the authentic works of ink painting collection, with the art existing vividly within the strokes of the brush displayed before the audience.Whether depcit the flower,birds, mountain and river or even portrait , every piece of work are dedicated to create the essence, while the audience it walking around the exhibition, they could admire different scene and bring up several experiences just like walking in a real Chinese garden.

The founder Mr. Kao Ying Shih has been collected ink painting arts over thirty years, amassing a rich and highly engaging collection. This time dedicatedly  curated by the exhibition team, centers around the theme of 'Imagining Garden Art.' It endeavors to use ink paintings to create a unique 'essence' for the our museum , presenting the core spirit of Chinese garden art.

Theme 1 : Creating Garden Landscape

Chinese garden art is mastered by nature, with mountains and water being the most important elements in building a garden. Influenced by the Daoist legend of the "Three Immortal Mountains in the Sea," Chinese gardens often adopt the layout of "one pond and three mountains," which is also the basic form of Chinese garden art. Literati draw inspiration from both mountains, rivers, and poetry, and build grand rivers and mountains in the garden. This reflects the spiritual charm of actual natural scenery and advances the ability to admire abstract natural scenes. The magnificent peaks, land spanning over hundreds of miles, are beyond human capability. Whether it be winding valleys or secluded forests, artists bring out the endless conceptions through brushstrokes and trigger the imagination of mountains landscape.

Theme 2 :Literatis and nature

Plants are always the inspiration of creations, for its complicated structure and diverse colors, it present the mysteries of nature and the change of seasons.if the landscape in the garden is not accompany with natural plants, it would be like drinking alone under the moon, inevitably lonely. Therefore the arrangement of the plants often follow the guidelines of nature, without rigid formations, emphasizing natural grace.  Flower vases and potted scene are commonly used to embellishment the landscape scene, both emphasizing the beauty of artificial creation. Gardening itself reflect the subjective literatis thought, the plants arrangement in the garden is towarding to the way of  ‘ideal landscape’,Using flowers and trees as materials to enhance the atmosphere of the garden not only emphasizes refinement but also further promotes the sophistication of planting techniques. This, in turn, creates a picturesque aesthetic in garden landscapes, akin to poetry and painting.

Theme 3 :Exotic Animals

In the early stages of garden development, animals were one of the main components, often used for hunting and entertainment purposes. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, private gardens began to emerge, and animals remained significant elements. For instance, during the Song Dynasty, Emperor Huizong collected animals from all over the world. These trained birds and beasts would obediently stand in line to welcome the emperor's arrival, earning the title of "Myriad Longevity Mountain's Rare Birds."During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, gardens typically only housed fish and birds. Scholars of that time believed that the essence of gardens lay not only in physical elements but also in the experiences evoked by various elements within the garden. For example, the sound of cicadas and birdsong not only provided beautiful melodies but also deepened the immersion in the environment. Keeping deer and releasing pigeons symbolized longevity and nurturing life to old age, expressing the garden owner's aspirations for a secluded life in the mountains and waters.