Two retrospective shows offer a glimpse into a society in separate periods of transformation, as interpreted by master artists of the times. The National Art Museum of China is hosting the two distinct shows, one of traditional Chinese ink paintings and the other of wood engraving from the early years.

The featured group of painters represent the state of social flux from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to the Republic of China (1911-1949).

They differ from earlier peers through their exploration of innovative techniques, adding flourish to the traditional art.

Offering another perspective is the precious collection of wood engraving works created by artists of the 1930s-1950s.

These works unveil the specific flavor of that time, when the burgeoning movement of wood engraving saw young artists use this new form as their weapon to take part in the political events.

The ink painting exhibition includes ink and wash works by four Chinese ink masters of the Shanghai School, linking the traditional art form with the contemporary presentation of the early 20th Century.

Ren Bonian's portraits (work picture far right) employed the technique of Western paintings, while Wu Changshuo developed the spirit of great free-hand schemes of flowers and birds.

Qi Baishi (work picture top right) found interesting subjects among insects and plants, and Huang Binhong poured color and ink on majestic landscapes.

In the displayed works, color schemes are employed to add vitality to the deep or light ink and wash. Majestic brush strokes replace the literati flavor of presentation, and portraits are finished with a much more realistic style instead of fine brushwork.

The wood engraving exhibition gathers a number of influential names to provide an encompassing display of this Chinese art scene.

Li Qun's works (pictured bottom left) emphasise the detail of light and shade, while Li Hua uses simple lines to express the strength of human body. Wang Qi is skillful in the curling touches and the presentation of atmosphere, and Wu Birui's wood prints bear realistic characteristics. The unique characteristics of the time are conveyed in each of these pieces, with the momentum of thin and thick lines producing strong tension. Intertwined brush strokes speak out their thoughts in the images and the background.

Besides the political theme, the wood engravings also drew on material from the ordinary life and work of the masses.

Price:20 yuan. 9am-5pm, the ink painting show will end on May 8 and the wood engravings, until May 16.
Address: National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District.
Tel: 010-6401-7076.