The Chinese Painter as Poet

Book excerpt: This exhibition explores the poetry-painting relationship in Chinese art, the Ways in which the relationship manifested in visual art and the common themes that have inspired painters and poets throughout Chinese history, from the Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234) through the 20th century. The 36 artworks features paintings, calligraphy, woodblock printed rare books and objects with inscribed poems. Western examples are also presented to enable comparison to be drawn. Bringing anothor important point of view to the study of Chinese painting and demonstrating that the linking of poetry and painting transcends the cultural borders between East and West and between China and Japan, this volume shows how that union, an ancient tradition, remains viable among artists today.