Shanshui Totem -Xu Longsen Shanshui Art Exhibition

Landscape Reborn

Shanshui or landscape art is the most profound subject in Chinese art. This art form, developed by the masters of the Song and Yuan dynasties (10th-14th centuries), is facing serious challenges in the modern world.

On 4-5 November 2011, a half-day round table discussion and a one-day international conference will be held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, to discuss the tradition of landscape art in China and to compare it to other traditions of the world. This event is organized by SOAS, the National Art Museum of China, and is sponsored by Asian Art in London (AAL). The participants and speakers include art historians, critics, curators and artists from China, Europe, and the USA.

At the same time as this event, the celebrated Chinese landscape artist Xu Longsen will hold a solo exhibition of his paintings and installations at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS. The exhibition will show Xu’s latest works, including a 8-metre tall pole painted with a landscape, entitled Shanshui Totem. This is a unique experiment with the Shanshui art form. It will offer new visual excitement to modern viewers, as well as pose a challenge for art historical interpretations in the 21st century.

Shanshui Totem - Xu Longsen Shanshui Art Exhibition

Hosted by: Brunei Gallery, SOAS
SOAS-University of London
National Art Museum of China
Sponsored by: Asian Art in London