From Painting A Zen Room To A Mustard Seed Garden—the Generation And Evolution Of A Graphic And Textual Interpretation System

In the field of ancient China art history research,Dong Qichang is an unique painter-calligrapher who has long occupied an important position for his contribution solely focus on structural frame work.From researching presenter of the theory of southern and northern schools of painting,to tracing each viewpoint presenting in this theory,and identifying the theory as a works of collective genius,We seemingly forge the art history of Ming dynasty into an instrument appropriated academic standard.However,The sense of unease is lurking around when we were wrapped in layers of academic component——Is this a real historic space,or just a more delicate and artistic mirrored space constructed by ourselves? Are we tracing the history,or just disintegrating it?Emphases were placed in subordination rather than primary,theories were being expanded rather than being perfected——Dong's position in art is being challenged.Moreover this leads to revisit of the question:What makes “Dong Qichang”is,the works or the text?Different from the prevalence of literature research,the study of Dong Qichang's art works are in a state of stagnation.In this situation,those art works of Dong's tend to exist as the textual dependency.Dong Qichang's paintings are not meticulous as the painting from Song dynasty,and it lacks the ingenious style rooted in Yuan dynasty.The absence of his antique album is the wonderful aspect at the originals,his large-scale patintings are covered with strangeness and nondescript.Meanwile,he had never been interest in creating a visual illusion which may offer an joyfully immersed experience for viewers from beginning to end.Consequently,we completely lost the judgement criteria of Dong Qichang's art works due to overshadowing of masterpieces created in Song and Yuan dynasty——We reject the complexity and simplicity of his paintings at the same time.Nevertheless,What makes his greatness is the talent of converting images and text into coincidence,which supported him to reshape the norm and form of all art historical generations.