Lotus 

Chang Dai-chien, who lived through much of the 20th century, made this ink painting, “Lotus,” using traditional Chinese techniques to evoke both a sense of serene beauty and a deeper connection to nature. The lotus in Chinese culture is often associated with purity and enlightenment, so this artwork could be seen to comment on the importance of these qualities. We see a clear dialogue between tradition and modernity through Chang’s approach. During his lifetime China experienced significant social and political upheaval, including the Communist Revolution. The traditional subject matter and style of the painting could be interpreted as a way to preserve cultural heritage during those turbulent times. Chang was trained in traditional art institutions. To fully understand this work, research into Chang’s life and travels, as well as the influence of political events on his artistic choices, would be necessary. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its cultural and institutional context.