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The Virtue of Chinese Painting By Zhi Zhen
(Clearwisdom.net) Chinese painting is of rich cultural content and also
one of the oldest historical artistic traditions. It conveys the perception of
the artist, awareness of the surroundings and inspiration, called "artistic
conceptualization." When portraying humans, objects and landscapes, the
artist can convey specific messages, eliciting a sympathetic response from the
viewers. Three main types of artistic conceptualizations are found in Chinese
painting: 1. The perception of openness, broadness, brightness, and generosity. These three artistic styles were the fundamentals throughout history and a
painting was only considered of true artistic Chinese art if it achieved one of
these three standards. Besides these baselines, if a painting exuded meanings
such as loyalty and chastity, or simplicity and purity, then they would also be
considered true artistic paintings and precious to the viewer. Paintings of
divinities, Buddhas, the universe, individuals of great character generally
expressed the above sentiments. Additionally, drawings of plum blossoms,
orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums represent integrity and are valued as true
artistic subject matter. Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi was praised to be "an exceptional painter
of saints." He painted Buddhas and Taoists in over four hundred rooms at
Chang'an and Luoyang temples, conveying different expressions. The paintings
convey the dignity of divine beings and the glory of the heavens. When he was
painting in the Chang'an Xingshan Temple, Chang'an residents came to watch and
praise him. His paintings reflect the divine beings' brightness and truly touch
one's heart. The meaning behind the painting is quite deep. The kindness and
beauty of the divine being reveals the painter's creativity, inspirational
achievements and purifies the mind of the viewers. The people who view the
painting may be affected after looking at the paintings and may be convinced of
the principle that good or evil actions will bring karmic returns. A cultivator
may be able to be more diligent in his/her cultivation after seeing such
paintings. Tang Dynasty artist Yan Liben's The Authentic Appearance of Taizong and
Twenty-four Officials with Outstanding Contributions at Lingyan Cabinet
portrayed the first emperor of Tang Dynasty Li Shimin and his officials. People
commended it as the apotheosis of painting. His Painting of the Western
Regions portrayed different minorities and reflected the friendly
relationship Tang Dynasty had with other region's minorities. His Painting of
Wei Zheng Advising showed the official Wei Zheng being straight forward when
advising Emperor Taizong and the emperor's willingness to accept others' advice.
All paintings praise the Tang Dynasty's glory and prosperity and reflect a
spirit of thriving vitality, which make people want to return in time and
experience what it was like. "Representation of virtue" is one of the features of the Chinese
culture. It means representing some virtue through different objects and
conveying good character. For example, bamboo represents "morality,"
plum blossom "integrity," and so on. Yuan Dynasty artist Wang Mian
drew plum blossoms throughout his life and encouraged himself through this to
achieve the virtue associated with the plum blossom. Generally, his paintings
are associated with a specific poem. This gave great meaning to his paintings. Chinese paintings pay very close attention to the meaning behind and
connotation presented by the picture. When the artist's and viewer's mind
resonates, the viewer will understand the artists' state of mind. The effect is
very good. Thus this requires the artist to not only have achieved good
techniques and perfect compositions, but also be of great moral character.
Ancient literature about Chinese painting discussed this subject in depth. Those
who want to study drawing must first be of good moral character. Once they have
achieved such character, their painting will express brightness and honesty.
One's character can be seen from ones writing and this wisdom is also true for
paintings. We see that the moral character and understanding about cultures
directly affects ones level of painting. Thus, to do well in painting, one must
first be a good person. When the viewers look at Chinese paintings, they can transcend the detailed
and limited objects and landscapes of the paintings and enter the infinite time
and space, and thus gain philosophical understandings about life, history, and
the universe. Today, the universal principle "Truthfulness, Compassion and
Forbearance" is widely spread in the world. It has brought happiness and
blessings to people and fulfilled what many have been waiting for. Artists have
held the "Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance Art Exhibition" to
show the greatness of Dafa, honor divine beings, and expose the persecution in
China. The exhibitions also help people distinguish right from wrong and
recognize what real beauty is. Also, it reflects the highest state of art - pure
truthfulness, pure kindness, and pure beauty. Art and, for that matter, anything
else cannot be separated from guidance by the Fa principles. Fulfilling the true
principles and spreading the principle of kindness in different ways are not
only the artist's responsibility, but also the responsibility of every one of
us.
Posting date: 1/30/2008 |