Inheritance And Development Of "Waterlogging Method" In Contemporary Boneless Flower-and-Bird Paintings

Since the formation of boneless flower and bird paintings in the Song Dynasty,they have been perfected and developed through Sun Long in the Ming Dynasty,Yun Shouping in the Qing Dynasty and then Ju Lian and Ju Cao at the end of the Qing Dynasty,forming a fresh and natural artistic appearance that integrates water and color.As one of the important techniques of boneless flower-and-bird painting,the "waterlogging method" became mature along with the development of this special style.It was formally established in modern times by Chen Zhifu who summarized the techniques and experiences of previous generations and integrated the aesthetics of the Times.The "waterlogging method",with particular water-stained texture formed with contingency and randomness,displays interesting and natural visual characteristics,which conforms to the very aesthetic needs of modern times.Moreover,it has been continuously expanded and improved in contemporary boneless flower-and-bird paintings through constant innovation,forming a new look in artistic expression and artistic techniques,showing modern aesthetic implications.This paper analyzes and summarizes the artistic characteristics of the "waterlogging method" on the basis of a brief discussion of the concept and an inquiry of its source and evolution since the Song Dynasty.Then,starting from the background analysis of contemporary boneless flower-and-bird paintings,combined with case study of the representative painters and their works,this paper elaborates on the inheritance of Chinese traditional spirit of "advocating leisure" and the adherence to Chinese traditional style of "advocating meaning".After that,it explores the new development of the "waterlogging method" in contemporary boneless flower-and-bird paintings from the perspectives of artistic idea,artistic language,carrier and material.Finally,this paper makes bold innovation and exploration based on my own creative practice,trying to further expand the expression space of the method.Also,it argues for the combination of the innovation of techniques with the inheritance of traditions in order to create a new outlook of contemporary boneless flower-and-bird painting in line with the spirit of the Times.