Ai Xuan (b.1947) Distant Cloud ink and colour on paper executed in 2013 90 x 97 cm. (35 3/8 x 38 1/8 in) FURTHER DESCRIPTION Being one of the central figures in Chinese realism who has experienced the revolution of Chinese “Scar Art”, Ai Xuan is committed to exploring Tibetan themes and characters in his work, deploying realist techniques to reflect personal emotions and perception of life. His paintings often place the subject against a desolate background. Whereas the subject appears delicate and refined, the image’s overtone is pure and profoundly enchanting. The practice of using white space in Chinese paintings is skillfully embraced in his works, accenting the solitude of human existence and the true meaning of life.
Distant Cloud is one of the ink paintings that Ai began releasing in recent years, and is an iconic piece in his Tibet Series. Ai has successfully created a mellow sense of sorrow in the current piece, portraying life as increasingly fragile yet ever so precious. Contrasting man and nature, he conveys the constant fight and tribulations of reality, among which he seeks the value of existence and brings out the beauty in our primitive struggle and sadness. The piece retains the detailing and realism that are key to oil paintings, whilst also pursuing the linear and smudging effects of ink painting. The result is a more vivid and ethereal visual experience, making this a notable piece of ink work in recent years. The piece is authenticated by the artist himself, making it a rare find.