©Courtesy of the Artist Tai Xiangzhou and Shen Jie Yi Qu
FQM artist Tai Xiangzhou’s solo exhibition Far Off Journey — Tribute to Mawangdui of Han Dynasty Paintings, curated by esteemed art historian Martin Powers, opened at Hunan Museum in Changsha on December 21, 2024. The show marks the grand finale of the series celebrating the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Mawangdui Han Tombs at the Hunan Museum. It features 70 works by Tai Xiangzhou, carefully selected from his new creations over the past two years and representative works from various periods. This exhibition lasts till February 21, 2025.
©Courtesy of the Artist Tai Xiangzhou and Shen Jie Yi Qu
The exhibition offers a focused exploration of Tai Xiangzhou's artistic journey across four chapters. It showcases his contemporary reinterpretation of Mawangdui Han Dynasty motifs and his works inspired by the rich history and culture of the Xiang River region.
The Xiaoxiang Series reimagines the historical "Eight Views of Xiaoxiang" through a contemporary lens. Drawing on his study of Song Dynasty painting, Tai integrates Hunan’s cultural heritage and landscapes, creating a dialogue between past and present described as "seeking wisdom in Xiaoxiang." The Celestial Phenomena Series, a signature collection, reflects his distinctive style in depicting mountains and clouds, extending traditional ink painting into the dimensions of geography and cosmology. Tai’s Imitative Ancient Landscape Series revisits classical Song landscapes, blending traditional aesthetics with modern insights.
©Courtesy of the Artist Tai Xiangzhou and Shen Jie Yi Qu
These works balance timeless beauty with contemporary relevance, reflecting Tai’s belief that understanding intellectual and philosophical history is essential to building a meaningful place in art history. His art embodies the spirit of Chinese philosophy, offering a contemporary artist’s perspective on today’s world. The exhibition promotes innovation in Chinese landscape painting, inspiring greater appreciation and preservation of traditional culture.
©Courtesy of the Artist Tai Xiangzhou and Shen Jie Yi Qu
