Infusing Chinese ink-wash paintings with a new look while preserving tradition is daunting.

Among the few artists who succeed is He Xi, whose solo exhibition is underway at the Suzhou Museum, itself a work of art designed by I.M. Pei.

The show follows a spectacular exhibition of the works of Shen Zhou (1427–1509), considered to be one of the "four masters" of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) painting. Shen's style and subject matter varied, but his works consistently conveyed abiding confidence, restraint, calm and subtle warmth.

Contemporary painter He is up to the challenge of both the awe-inspiring venue and the awe-inspiriting preceding exhibition.

"He Xi has established his own art style, he is not only swift in technique but also creative in idea," says art critic Shao Qi. "His paintings are filled with conflict and struggle rendered with dramatic effect."

Born in 1960 in Beijing, He tends to use metaphor and present a narrative through his depiction of fish, glass and vase. He deconstructs the traditional subject matter of birds and flowers.

He's works demonstrate his solid skills of classical ink-wash painting; his brush strokes are realistic and elegant. His messages exceed those the ancient masters contemplated.

For example, he depicts classical subject matter - birds, fish, insects - within a glass vase, taking them out of the natural environment and implying the indifferent urban environment that surrounds living creatures today.

Or he "wraps" a glass vase around traditional elements of rocks, trees and landscape, surrounding them with a man-made container.

"I try to convey my concerns about today's real world through these symbols," He says.

"If these symbols (such as rocks, trees, birds) are still laden with outdated impressions and emotions, then they cannot enter into the heart of the viewers," he says. "For me, it would become a meaningless art piece, now matter how superb the technique is."

Perhaps that's the reason he is the first contemporary ink-wash painter to be invited to hold a solo-exhibition at the Suzhou Museum.

"He intelligently conjures up a familiar world with only cold, transparent, man-made glass; there are no chirping birds or brilliant flowers," critic Shao says.

"Viewers immediately relate to the perplexing and expressionless world they counter every day. This is very hard to achieve, but he succeeds through centuries-old techniques of ink-wash painting."

Date: March 6-April 21

Address: 204 Dongbei St, Pingjiang District, Suzhou

Tel: (0512) 6757-5660

Source: Shanghai Daily