Exhibition shows poetic essence of Jiangnan-style study rooms
THE Jiangnan (regions in the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), known as the cradle of poetry and literary culture, finds its essence in Wenfang, or traditional Chinese study rooms, which embody the poetic and artistic spirit of Jiangnan.
Understanding these study rooms is akin to grasping the exquisite cultural sentiment of Jiangnan and the gentle, poetic essence of traditional Chinese culture.
Recently, the “Jiangnan Wenfang Exhibition” opened in the Yunjian Cultural and Art Center. The event features nearly 30 artists from academic institutions such as the Shanghai Chinese Painting Academy and Beijing Chinese Painting Academy. Participating institutions include the Cheng Shifa Art Museum, Dong Qichang Calligraphy and Painting Art Museum and Songjiang Museum, among other organizations.
From the lobby, visitors ascend to the second floor where a guqin zither master plays the ancient stringed instrument, creating a melodious atmosphere. Surrounding the musician are displays of traditional desks, wooden chairs and other elements that enrich the ambiance of a Wenfang.
The main exhibition hall on the fourth floor dazzles visitors with its stylish and spacious design. On display are exquisite altars, rustic benches, handcrafted lattice windows and small, intricately-carved desk ornaments such as brush rests, engraved water pots and translucent jade seals. Contemporary landscape paintings add to the rich array of exhibits, allowing visitors to deeply appreciate the profound essence of Jiangnan culture.
The exhibition centers around the theme of the Wenfang, embracing various fields including art, philosophy, aesthetics, home decor, incense rituals and music. It showcases the millennia-old charm of Jiangnan, refined through its interaction with nature, humanity, history and emotions.
The exhibition is divided into three sections: Scenic Presentation, Artistic Works and Wenfang Space.
The “Scenic Presentation” combines reality and illusion, not only displaying the “Chinese Four Arts: guqin, the game of go, calligraphy and painting” but also redesigning the exhibition hall to integrate concepts of Jiangnan gardens.
A naked-eye 3D immersive experience area has been created, set against the backdrop of Jiangnan gardens and featuring a “Celestial Constellations at Sea” theme, offering visitors a New Year’s message of the “Dragon’s Auspicious Journey.”
The “Artistic Works” features more than 100 calligraphy works and paintings by young Chinese artists, while the “Wenfang Space” offers visitors an intimate experience of the essence of the ancient Chinese study rooms.
Dates: through March 31
Address: 69, Lane 6, Renmin Road S. Ӫ≁ই䐟6ᔴ69ਧ