Born in Guangdong, China
Born in Guangdong, China, in 1918, Lin Fengmian traveled to France on a government-sponsored work-study program. During his seven years in France, Lin studied at the National School Supérieure D'art in Dijon, and at L’École National Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, learning Western drawing and painting techniques. Strengthening his academic training, his experience outside the classroom brought him in touch with the modern Western art movement of the day, such as Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Primitivism. The works of Matisse and Modigliani in particular impressed at the young artist, who began developing his own style, blending Western and Chinese traditions. His works were selected for exhibition in the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1924. Lin returned to China in 1925, where he was appointed director of the Beijing National Art College (precursor to the Central Academy of Fine Art). At the invitation of Cai Yuanpei, Lin founded and became the first director of the Hangzhou National Art Academy. Later he led the “New Art Movement,” and published extensive writings on Western and Chinese art.
Liberalism briefly emerged in China in the 1920s and 1930s, and witnessed the development of modern Chinese art. Lin strove to promote novel European art concepts, such as perspective, posture, and color, as well as the art theory of Chinese and Western fusion, and encouraged Chinese artists to try innovative techniques. Endowed with a unique artistic sense and persistency, Lin deeply appreciated the novelty and aesthetics of Western art, allowing him to create work with a strong expressionist palette. His refreshing style of painting is suffused with a pioneering spirit of innovation. Lin’s subjects range from opera figures, nudes, to still lifes, flora and fauna. Lin’s work highlights the national spirit through his use of vibrant palette, unfettered brushwork, and unique perspective, which are considered to have originated from his experiences of studying in Europe and the United States. However, he once mentioned that his greatest source of inspiration was the Song Dynasty porcelain and cave murals. Regardless of the differences in the aesthetics of the world, Lin Fengmian is recognized as an eminent master in the 20th century, and one of the trailblazers in Chinese modern art education.
Important exhibitions include: Peerless Grace — Hangzhou National Academy of Fine Arts, Tina Keng Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2010); The Pioneer of Modern Chinese Painting, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, China (2007); Lin Fengmian Solo Exhibition, Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2005), Lin Fengmian: A Centennial Exhibition, National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Taipei, Taiwan (2000); and The Approach of Lin Fengmian, Shanghai Art Museum, Shanghai, China (1999).