Chen Wenguang
Nihonga Painting 1990 - 2007

Literally translated as "Japanese Painting," Nihonga incorporates ink, and/or pigment, gold and silver leaf on paper or silk. Introduced to Japan through its contact with Chinese culture, the Nihonga technique has remained relatively unchanged since the 8th century. Although the style originated in the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907) , it was overlooked by its native country when ink painting became the dominant medium. The Chinese style however, was adopted in Japan and its development defined Japanese painting for centuries. 

Picking up the artistic thread from Nihonga's Chinese history, Chen provides a significant link between Chinese and Japanese art. The artist is considered a major practitioner of Nihonga, a remarkable achievement given the nature of the lineage. Even while presenting uniquely Asian influences, the paintings have a global aesthetic; the strict principles are respected by Chen, but they do not control his compositions. Chen's paintings speak of a thousand years of Asian art as they approach the considerations of a postmodern environment. 

Dillon Gallery is proud to present the extraordinary works of Chen Wenguang in monograph form. 

ISBN 978-09-798-3790-1
Dillon Gallery
Publication date: 2007
Cloth bound hardcover
103 pages
260 x 342 mm