Curatorial notes
Shitao, a Han Chinese painter, created "Two Flowers in Conversation" using ink and color on paper during the early Qing Dynasty. Shitao was born into the Ming Dynasty, as a member of the royal family. Experiencing political upheaval during the Qing Dynasty when the Manchus took over, he adopted his monastic name, Shitao. Here, we see a pink flower and a white flower juxtaposed on the canvas, their dialogue rendered visible. In Chinese culture, flowers are potent symbols, and Shitao uses them to communicate a complex understanding of identity. The act of painting became his means to express his identity. He sought artistic autonomy and cultivated a highly personal and expressive style. The inscription on the right, an integral part of the painting, emphasizes the essence of their exchange. Shitao’s work prompts us to consider the intersection of personal identity and historical narrative.
