「Look at the Picture and Talk about the Painting」”In the art scam”, find some joy in life

“Literature, painting, music – all are scams!” They merely make meaningless lives “interesting”.

Chen Danqing’s honesty is just like his creative work – genuine and free-spirited. He uses oil paints to depict calligraphy and calligraphic works, freezing the flowing brushstrokes into “still lifes”. On the “meaningless” background, he depicts the visible charm.

And his calligraphy featuresdistinct lines that align with Dong Qichang’s principle of “seeking vitality after proficiency”. It weakens the emphasis on the contrast between lines, avoiding the simplicity and clarity of incorporating Zen philosophy into calligraphy. When writing “With this noble and virtuous demeanor, he stands out as a rare figure among the frost” by Tao Yuanming, the character formation resembles a vigorous grass beneath the frost. This not only pays tribute to the steadfastness of pine and chrysanthemums but also reflects his own creative attitude. It is not pretentious, does not praise himself with art, and merely transforms his passion for calligraphy into “still life”, allowing viewers to perceive the relaxed feeling of the creator when facing tradition. It is not submissive, nor does it resist. It is a vivid and lively existence.

He spoke of “scam”, yet he managed to give “meaningless” lives a place in art. He used the “slowness” of oil painting to catch up with the “speed” of calligraphy, and concealed the true feelings behind it within the serene brushstrokes.

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.