More than 40 Chinese artists are exhibiting their abstract paintings at the newly opened “Return to Ontology: Tracing the Source of Abstract Art in the New Period of Guangdong” exhibition at Guan Shanyue Art Museum.

Co-held by Guan Shanyue Art Museum, Art Museum of Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and Lingnan Museum of Fine Arts, the exhibition features the origin and development of abstract art in Guangdong over the past 40 years.

Abstraction indicates a departure from reality through the depiction of imagery in art. Abstract artists use a visual language of shape, form, color and line to express their thoughts and feelings. In the early 20th century, many Chinese artists were introduced to abstract art through translation, printing and original art works. Since the reform and opening up, abstract art has become an avant-garde symbol of new-generation artists who break through the tradition.

Guangdong has played an important role in the field of abstract art. Back in the 1980s, the Department of Oil Painting at the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts introduced the teaching of new styles, including abstracted art, to encourage students to explore a more diversified set of art styles. These artists, once awakened to the concept of abstract art, became an important force in the realm of Chinese abstract art.

Guangdong is a significant place for the development and expansion of abstract art. Many art institutions, publications and even commercial organizations in Guangdong have become core platforms for carrying on and promoting the development of abstract art.

Moreover, because of its position at the forefront of reform and opening up, Guangdong has attracted many foreign artists and critics. These people are the most indispensable advocates for the development of abstract art.

Dates: Until March 18

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., closed Mondays

Venue: Guan Shanyue Art Museum, 6026 Hongli Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路6026号关山月美术馆)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit B(Nan Nan)