The Enduring Passion for Ink

A Project on Contemporary Ink Painters

The Enduring Passion for Ink: A Project on Contemporary Ink Painters (or the "Project") is a proposed exhibition, book, and film series designed to introduce the viewing public to the burgeoning field of contemporary ink painting in China today. The key to the exhibition lies in a series of documentary films, one for each featured artist, to be shown adjacent to that artist's works. The films will address the fundamental artistic choices confronting the ink artist: Why did s/he choose ink as a medium? How is ink's expressive range distinct from that of other artistic media? How does the artist go about creating an ink work? How does the artist approach issues such as tradition, creative innovation, and personal expression? Each film will feature the artist addressing these questions and show him or her at work in the studio in the process of creating a work of art. Through time-lapsed photography, the film will also show that same painting's evolution from start to finish. If deemed a success by the artist, the painting captured on film will be included in the exhibition.

Because of the real-time performance aspect of setting ink into an absorbent ground, film is a particularly fitting means to not only demystify the ideational process of the artist but to enthrall the viewer in the physical act of painting with ink. In this respect, The Enduring Passion for Ink: A Project on Contemporary Ink Painters is absolutely unique; as a means to re-introduce this ancient art language to international audiences today, it is nothing less than essential.