Detailed Analysis Of Wu Guanzhong's Ideas Concerning Paintings And Aesthetics

Mr. Wu Guanzhong is a leading and controversial contemporary Chinese painter. With more than 70 years'experience in this sector, he integrates Chinese tradition with western painting technique and becomes one of few influential living artists who are well recognized by the west. He has started various innovative and explorative experiments on the"nationalization of oil paintings"and"modernization of Chinese paintings"based on Chinese traditional culture. He has produced numerous paintings and published diversified essays including"Unbroken Kite String","Content Determines Form?","Brush and Ink Equal Zero"and"Painting Should Follow the Times".The thesis consists of four chapters: (1) Mr. Wu's biography and achievements. Mr. Wu is not only a painter but also an educationist and essayist. He was one of last students going abroad before 1949. He learned western painting ideas and techniques in combination with Chinese traditional approaches to make outstanding achievements in paintings. As an educationist, he inspires his students and focuses on teaching aesthetics of form and nationalization. As an essayist, he has written many plain essays on aesthetics and his perspectives.(2) Analysis of Mr. Wu's perspectives on aesthetics of form, abstract, context and human body. First, aesthetics of form. Mr. Wu states his opinions on"aesthetics and beauty","creation and study","personal feeling and style","ancient and modern times"and"west and orient". He deems aesthetics of form as a key step in the process of painting. Second, aesthetics of abstract. Mr. Wu believes that abstract is the center of aesthetics of form. He is good at reflecting abstract objects using various elements such as dots, lines, surfaces, black, white, grey, red, yellow and green. Third, aesthetics of context. He prefers to utilize the most touching part to pursue the context of paintings. Last, aesthetics of human body. Mr. Wu believes that the research of aesthetics of human body, one of natural beauties, is integral part of art.(3) Analysis of Mr. Wu's perspectives on paintings and aesthetics. This chapter explains Mr. Wu's perspectives on paintings and aesthetics reflected in"Brush and Ink Equal Zero","Unbroken Kite String"and"Nationalization of Oil Paintings". He believes that those paintings that do not reflect the reality are worthless and national culture is a treasure of the world.(4) Inspiration from Mr. Wu's aesthetic ideas. He believes that paintings should be innovative and reflect the reality.The thesis will explore and concludes the comprehensive understanding of Wu Guanzhong's perspectives on paintings and aesthetics in combination of contemporary aesthetic theory based on Wu Guanzhong's paintings and essays.