Chen Zhangji's Art Creation

Shao Dazhen (Director of the Theoretical Committee of the China Artists Association)

Born in Guangdong and graduated from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, he studied under Lingnan painting masters such as Guan Shanyue and Li Xiongcai in his early years. In the 1970s, he became famous for his traditional Chinese paintings such as "Spring in Kui Township" and "Xisha Liri", These experiences are enough to make people regard painter Chen Zhangji as a descendant of the Lingnan School of Painting. But from the scenes of some of Chen Zhangji's famous works, people can clearly feel that a different meaning from Lingnan painting style is nurtured within it, gloomy and flourishing, faintly forming one entity.

The source of this unique meaning can be traced back to 1963. In August of that year, Chen Zhangji, who was simple and rigorous in his studies, was sent from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts to the Central Academy of Fine Arts to study traditional Chinese painting, flowers and birds, under the tutelage of Mr. Li Kuchan, Guo Weiqu, and Tian Shiguang. This new education has opened a brand new window for Chen Zhangji, who has solid basic skills. So, from then on, in his works, intentionally or unintentionally, there was an aura that surpassed the Lingnan School of Painting - a hint of northern boldness in the beauty and lightness, and a hint of tranquility in the appreciation of both refined and popular art. Chen Zhangji can be said to have become famous in his youth, thanks to his strong styling ability. Sketches of Dramatic Characters, Backstage Sketches, Self Portraits, Old Fisherman's Sketches, and Old Man's Sketches are grand, straightforward, and unadorned, reflecting his keen and accurate understanding and grasp of form and image, as well as his stable and skilled control over calligraphy. These early character sketches, both in terms of technique and intention, can be considered masterpieces of that era.

With talent and opportunity, Chen Zhangji gradually grew into a versatile painter and made significant achievements in the field of landscape painting, flower and bird painting. People greatly appreciate some of his plant sketches created in the 1960s, such as "Water and Grass Sketches", "Rice Sketches", "Pine Branch Sketches", etc. The simplicity of the paintings highlights a calm and noble temperament. Only from the use of dry and wet ink colors and the delineation of pen lines can we see the artist's artistic cultivation. These paintings vividly reflect the painter's inner emotions at that time. Of course, in addition to paying attention to one's own inner self, in that hot era, paying attention to the hot life was the primary task of painters. Chen Zhangji has always adhered to the artistic concept of "writing with the times" and created a large number of works with a distinct contemporary atmosphere. He diligently studies the traditional techniques and theories of Chinese painting, inherits the essence of traditional painting, but strives to break free from some outdated expression patterns in Chinese painting and is brave enough to innovate. He absorbed the strengths of various schools such as Li Kuchan, Guo Weiqu, and Guan Shanyue, and incorporated some of his own inner qualities into the creation of flower and bird paintings, exploring unique ink and brush styles. His flower and bird paintings are colorful and pure, with a natural and soothing balance in the intensity of the brush and the depth of the ink. They are well controlled. Therefore, people feel the peace and gentleness behind the scenes amidst the bustling red plum blossoms and the surface noise of the pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms shining on each other.

As the saying goes, "Style is like a person, character is like a person, and vice versa, painting is the same.". Chen Zhangji is a loyal and kind person, gentle and steady, with no affectation or publicity in his writing. His landscape sketches from the 1960s and 1970s were influenced by Li Keran, and he painted many works that reflected the new appearance of rural areas, such as terraced fields. The brushstrokes were meticulous and rigorous, the colors were warm and elegant, and the atmosphere of the paintings was peaceful. Especially in works depicting factories such as "Morning in the Oil City" and "Maoming Refinery", chimneys stand tall, creating a picturesque new China construction scene. However, the painter's ink is still so old-fashioned and solemn, and the composition is flat and steady. It can be seen that even the paintings created for the needs of the political situation at that time were still taken seriously by the author, revealing his sincere qualities as a person.

The inner world of a person is rich and multifaceted. There is both an exposed side and a hidden side. Once the environment is suitable, the previously hidden side may become apparent, and this side may have essential attributes. Landscape painting can best express the deep emotions of painters. Painters often need to find materials to express their inner emotions in natural scenery, and through brewing, elevate them in art. Chen Zhangji, who maintains a peaceful and far-reaching mentality, has shown passion and surging in his works since entering the new era of reform and opening up in the 1980s, reflecting the heroic and robust side of his innate temperament. During this period, his landscape paintings often drew inspiration from white waterfalls and green pine trees, verdant sea of clouds, and the ancient path of green pine trees. He particularly likes to paint waterfalls. The huge waterfalls flow down from the sky with a towering and overwhelming force, using pen and ink to be passionate and bold, while also managing rationally, forming an artistic style of ups and downs, grand and introverted stability. It truly has the momentum of "a thousand towering springs falling from the void, thunder rushing into the river without stopping, now and ancient times it looks like a white train flying, a boundary breaking through the green mountains".

Chen Zhangji once named his solo exhibition "Benteng non-stop". Regarding water, both Chinese and foreign philosophers have had profound thoughts throughout history. Faced with the surging river, Confucius once said, "The passing of time is like a fleeting water, willing to sacrifice day and night."; In the face of a great river, the ancient Greek scholar Heraclitus once said, "A man cannot step into the same river twice in his life." Chen Zhangji used rushing water to encourage himself and express his aspirations, stating that his life will not stay in one place, but will always move forward. Indeed, as someone who has been determined to pursue a career, he has firmly grasped the direction of his struggle and worked diligently in his writing, without any slackness. His artistic creations are not confined to the ancients, not addicted to himself, always walking on the path of continuous innovation, and ultimately achieving commendable achievements. This is like: the river is surging, flowing endlessly, never turning back, heading towards the sea.