Spirit of the Lotus

CHEN JIALING (B. 1937)
Spirit of the Lotus
A pair of hanging scrolls, ink and colour on paper
Each scroll measures 178 x 96 cm. (70 ¹⁄₈ x 37 ³⁄₄ in.)
Entitled, inscribed and signed, with six seals of the artist
Dated 1983
Titleslips inscribed by the artist

PROVENANCE:
Acquired directly from the artist;
Private collection, USA.

Born in Yongkang, Zhejiang in 1937, Chen Jialing graduated from the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts in 1963, studying Chinese paintings under Pan Tianshou (1897-1971). He later became a student under Lu Yanshao (1909-1993), specializing in landscape painting and calligraphy, and taught at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts. Since the 1980s, Chen has explored ways to unite ancient Chinese mural painting and European watercolor painting, resulting in a distinctive style marked by his use of faded, light layers of ink and meticulous lines. In contrast to his soft-hued paintings, as an avid photographer, Chen strives to capture the beauty of nature and the richness of its colors through his camera lens.