The Aesthetics of Change
March 18 - April 18, 2007
Aesthetics of Change
March 18 - April 18, 2007
Kaikodo Journal XXIII (Spring 2007)
The theme of this exhibition, “The Aesthetics of Change,” has multitudinous reasons behind its formulation. As related specifically to the paintings and objects in the exhibition, the meaning becomes clear in the entries provided in the corresponding Kaikodo Journal XXIII. Let it suffice here to say that the show features a fine selection of Chinese paintings from the 13th century to the 19th century as well as an impressive group of Japanese paintings that includes works by the important artists Taiga and Buson. We might note among the “changes” manifested in the works included in the catalogue are those manifested in paintings created during the junction between the Song and Yuan dynasties (nos. 1-9), the change in stylistic emphasis from the Zhe School to the Wu School (nos. 11-17), and the transformation of the tradition that occurred during the late 19th century (nos. 27-30) when some Chinese painters were active in Japan. The Japanese paintings in the exhibition trace a comparable evolution from the 13th century Kamakura period (no. 31) and the 13th-15th century Muromachi period (no. 32) to the very end of the Edo period (no. 47). The unusual Chinese works of art selected for this show illustrate the profound changes in aesthetics expressed by Chinese artisans from the Neolithic period to the 17th century whether dictated by patrons, markets or purely individual creativity and skill.
