"Born in Shanghai in 1948, Qiu Deshu, one of the few artists to have inspired international recognition since the 1980s, studied traditional ink painting and seal carving when he was a child.
But his career in art was interrupted by the Cultural Revolution when he was sent to work at a plastics factory. When the turmoil ended, he picked up ink painting again and co-founded the Grass Painting Society (cao cao hua she), one of China’s first experimental art societies in the post-Mao period. In the early 1980s, he developed his signature style of works called “fissuring” (liebian).
The concept of “fissuring”, which literally means tearing and change in Chinese, is a pictorial metaphor for the artist’s life and as his artistic career, both of which have experienced dramatic disruptions and setbacks. In these works, he applies vivid colors to xuan paper, which he tears up and mounts the fragments to a base layer, often leaving space between to create a pictorial field with the “cracks” that he feels are symbolic of life’s journey."
So that's for the introduction.
His work is a nice balance between contemporary and traditional.
For the first time Qiu Deshu’s work was displayed in the UK. A large number of private buyers and museum curators planned their visit.
Coutts - the wealth management private bank located on the Strand in London - supported his exhibition which took place from 1st- 15th November 2012. Qiu is one of only a few Chinese artists to receive international recognition.
Art in general can be perceived differently. Some people struggle when it is time to enter a contemporary space - feeling lost and unsure whether this is for them.
But like everything, it is about trying to understand what is actually showing in the work and the story behind it! An artist usually represents an artwork according to a specific state of mind or inspiration. It is not just a line of paint on a canvas.
If we take the example of Damien Hirst work "for the love of god" or commonly called the diamond skull, there are some lovers and some haters.
To be honest, a photograph or a video doesn't replicate the exact wow-factor. However, when in "flesh" before your eyes, it is a complete different story.
All diamonds are sparkling like a thousand stars. Rather hypnotic piece of work.
Estimated at £15 million, the skull is one of a kind!
Some people like to invest in art and to be considered as philanthropists by giving a few paintings or sculptures to an auction house for a forthcoming charity event.
The art scene has changed since the YBAs shook The Establishment.
The National Gallery is still busy during the year but Tate Modern has hit the jackpot with the impressive extension; The Tanks.
Of course, this project requires heavy investments but this modern art space will be like heaven for art lovers.
So, it is all about patience to obtain the right architecture and this reflects how the creation of a piece of art comes together as well: it is all about passion & patience.
To discover Qiu Deshu works visit Michael Goedhuis website.
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