Helen Deng

    ART aficionados in Shenzhen can catch a glimpse of some contemporary Oriental paintings at Guan Shanyue Art Museum.

    Korean artist Huh Dal-jae is exhibiting 50 of his latest ink paintings at the museum until March 11, showcasing his new interpretations of traditional styles. Huh is the curator of Uijae Museum of Korean Art. His art combines tranquility and dynamism to represent the traditional spirit in contemporary contexts.

    Huh held a very successful show at the National Art Museum of China in 2008. He’s since held several exhibitions in China and even opened a studio in Beijing.

    Huh is the oldest grandson of Huh Baek-ryeon (1891-1977), a legendary painter famous for depicting beautiful scenes of ponds and gardens. By the age of 6, the younger Huh already was skilled in calligraphy because of his grandfather’s teachings.

    The calligraphy training led to Huh’s expertise in ink painting. His works display a firm grip of the brush, a steady hand and repetitive rhythms.

    Huh’s work is likened to “literati” art, a style derived from the New Southern School of Chinese painting in which, much like the Impressionists, artists intend to disassociate themselves from academic tradition.

    Literati art is often simplified, expressive and achieved with calligraphic influence. The artist customarily expresses himself or herself not only through the overall content of the work, but also through each unique brushstroke. Through the idiosyncrasies of Huh’s individual strokes, for example, one can get a true sense of the emotions of his soul.

    Korean wash paintings were influenced by Chinese wash paintings in the past but also hold unique atheistic values. The exhibition is part of efforts by Guan Shanyue Art Museum and Uijae Museum of Korean Art to boost the exchanges between Korean and Chinese ink painters.

    Free entrance

    Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., now to March 11, Tuesday to Sunday

    Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, 6026 Hongli Road, Futian District

    Buses: 10, K12, 14, 25, 34, 105, 215, 228, 111, 322, 238, 350, 371

    Metro: Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit B