When a group of mainly Chinese painters say they aim to revive the true art of the past, you may be surprised to see that the skills they have mastered are outstandingly from the tradition of the western Renaissance.
The Art of Zhen Shan Ren, showing at La Galleria, Pall Mall, from August 6th–18th, is an exceptional display of figurative realism. They label their work as neo-renaissance.
Eddie Aitken, a director of the charity who looks after the day-to-day running of the touring exhibition in the UK, is keen to point out that the artworks revive both the eastern and western traditions found in fine art.
He said that most of the artists were trained in the western tradition of copying old masters. Through meticulous drawing and layering of oil paint they bring out the realism of perspective and human expression.
Others use techniques from ancient Chinese art where ink or watercolour line predominates, and the essence of the subject is captured with single strokes.
A major aspect of both eastern and western traditions of representational art in the past was the depiction of gods and deities. Some of the artworks in this exhibition return to these subjects.
The central theme is the evolution, eventual persecution and transcendence of the practice of Falun Gong in China and around the world.
The persecution is still taking place today, particularly in China, against the millions of Falun Gong followers. There, the Chinese Communist Party tries to stop them practicing truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, the basis of Falun Gong and the English meaning of the exhibition’s title.
The paintings were crafted on silk, paper and canvas and the high quality copies display the original concepts beautifully and accurately, and are ultimately uplifting. They show the courage of the human heart as it rises high above incomprehensible attack.
One visitor to the exhibition at The Octangle, Brighton Marina, in May 2010, wrote in the guestbook: “What a beautiful way to bring such a plight to life. Thank you.”
The Art of Zhen Shan Ren has visited every continent. It has toured the UK every year since 2005 and will have already been to Rye, Dover, Leeds, and East Grinstead this year before arriving in London. After it finishes in La Galleria, the exhibition will go to Falmouth and Sidmouth in October.
The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.
