"Words" In Teaser

While analyzing the birth and development of various techniques withinChinese painting, we can see that certain techniques attain only limitedacknowledgment in their early stages of exploration and do not enter thecanon of recognized technique: these techniques can be called specialtechniques. Special techniques can only be understood relatively as anexpansion, challenge, or specialization of traditional techniques. Forexample, the "accumulated water technique" lies in the domain of specialtechnique. This technique can be grouped within the category of "mixedwater solution and ink". While integrating traditional usages of waterand ink, this technique refers to the addition of specially treated watersolutions (including adding catalysts, bleach, or other permeatingsubstances such as glue, alum, laundry detergent, vinegar, milk, etc.)to the painting after completion or during the painting process. Thesespecially treated solutions blend, permeate, and move with the ink onpaper, creating a broken and dynamic visual effect. This technique hasthe characteristics of integration of water and ink, diverse changes, andan organic appearance. The use of the "accumulated water technique" isextremely broad, and is not only able to create representational effects,pictorial ambiance and texture, but also inspire an emotional environment.Due to its formalistic value, this technique can also be separatelyappreciated.Special techniques are based on traditional techniques, and must beviewed as an expansion of traditional techniques. Traditional techniquesshould be predominant, while special techniques must be subordinate.While studying traditional techniques, one should audaciously create newtechniques, aiming to find a new pictorial language that represents the spirit of the times while fulfilling new aesthetic needs.Technique is not the goal, and can be understood as linguistic methodor tool to realize the expression of one’s meaning. We must work hard tostudy the techniques of painting, with representation of the spirit ofour times and our personal interpretation as the basis of Chinese painting.The main theme of painting is the "way" or dao; one cannot lose sight ofthe "way" in the pursuit of technique.