Landschap 1850 - 1900

This landscape was made by Cheng Men using ink and color on paper. The artist takes advantage of ink's fluid properties to create delicate, expressive forms. The subtle gradations of tone, from light washes to dense blacks, capture the misty atmosphere of the scene. Note how the artist carefully controls the ink’s flow to depict the texture of the trees, the ripples on the water, and the subtle variations in the sky. The application of color adds depth and vibrancy to the landscape, enhancing its naturalism. It is a dance between control and chance, intention and accident. This work, and others like it, challenge our assumptions about 'high' art and 'mere' craft. After all, the artist's skillful manipulation of materials is just as important as the subject matter itself. By attending to the making, we gain a richer understanding of the artist's vision, and the cultural context in which it was produced.