Qu Leilei and the principles of Chinese painting
Christie’s Education Arts of China students were honoured to be given a masterclass in Chinese painting and calligraphy this November by the artist Qu Leilei, whose works form part of the British Museum permanent collection. Qu explained his methods from first principles, exploring various essential dualities in Chinese painting: Brush and Ink, Lines and Dots, and Painting versus Space — where emptiness is left to embody major concepts within a picture. He also demonstrated the evolution of calligraphic style from oracle bones to artistic expression.
As he painted, Qu showed that he was demonstrating these principles not just so our students could see a work being created, but because understanding the choices made by a painter are vital to understanding a historical painting. The authenticity of a master’s work can be established by careful study of their brushstrokes, even the age and condition of the brushes they used. Future specialists need to look closely to read these traces — and Qu had encouraging words for Christie’s Education’s current students. He had, he said, seen our alumni working throughout Asia in senior positions throughout the art market.
