Literature

The Great Water series is in a similar vein to Zhu Wei’s China Diary series, where the description of the landscape is a metaphor for reality. Zhu Wei had always envisioned himself as a confidant of ancient masters of Chinese painting. Just like the dense waves that constantly push forward, he hopes to carry on their duty of finding breakthroughs to the convention, and bringing art to a higher level. As such, Zhu Wei has put in much effort in absorbing the essence of traditional Chinese art. From mo gu gong bi hua (painting without using ink to outline), ancient Chinese aesthetic theory, Chinese bronze work, seals and calligraphy, and paper craftsmanship, Zhu Wei has become well-acquainted with traditional Chinese art techniques. From his paintings, one can observe Zhu Wei’s enormous knowledge and background in traditional Chinese art – the tight composition reminiscent of Chinese seals, the contours are as smooth and fine as porcelain, and after repeated treatments and layering, one can observe the denseness and boldness within it. By carefully scrutinizing Zhu Wei’s work, we can appreciate his understanding and distilling of the essence and spirit of traditional Chinese art.