Many of China's contemporary artists face an identity crisis. (Photo: CCTV.com)

    BEIJING, May. 13 -- Many of China's contemporary artists face an identity crisis. They have gone far in their experimental works and now are asking how their works relate to traditional Chinese arts and to the contemporary art of the West. Qin Feng is one of those artists. His exhibition in Beijing reveals his search for answers.

    The exhibition, titled "Qin Feng's Homage to Bada Shanren" was held at Beijing's famous artistic compound -- the Songzhuang Village. It offered a journey over time and space -- a dialogue between past and present --East and West. On display are works considered the best of Qin's artistic endeavors over decades. As the name of the exhibition suggests, Qin's works were inspired by his predecessor Bada Shenren. That great master's authentic pieces stand just next to Qin's works.

    Qin Feng, Artist, said, "The works of Bada Shanren are actually contemporary. Three hundred years ago, he completed his academic and conceptual frame. But he is neglected in art history from the East to the West. He is always given perfunctory mention. But here's evidence of a phenomenon. Almost all the prestigious museums in the West collected Bada Shanren's works. He is given an insignificant place in the art history. He was never given enough attention, given the great influences he left for contemporary art. This is why I want to hold this exhibition to mark the 302nd anniversary of Bada Shanren's birth. First, I want to pay homage to him. Second, I want people to recognize his contribution to contemporary art."

    The exhibition provided an ample space for viewers to reflect. Tradition connects Qin Feng's art from beginning to end. What kind of changes has he brought to contemporary art? How does Bada Shanren -- the master of abstract expressionism influence world art? How does one reflect contemporary art, while adding a hint of tradition?

    The works on display primarily follow the style of abstract expressionism. Qin Feng draws heavily from master Bada Shanren's artistic ideal. He blends Buddhism and Daoism into the artistic spirit. He uses Chinese calligraphy as an effective approach to re-create multi-organic ideas.

    Yet Qin Fen has his own approach to building upon the Chinese cultural heritage. It is an approach connecting to new aspects of contemporary life, in China and around the world.

    There's no evidence of a dominant hue in Qin Feng's works. His works are comprised of many colours. His medium is ink and water. Qin explores the wide spectrum between black and white -- the plain color of the paper. He thinks that these vividly illustrate the "abstract".

    Qin Feng, Artist, said, "Abstract expressionism is actually very acceptable to Chinese. It is very evident in our art of calligraphy and free hand painting, as well as the spirit of Zen and Taichi. They are all very abstract."

    Born in Xinjing Uygar Autonomous Region, Qin Feng graduated from Shandong Art Institute in 1981. He experimented with the avant garde movement in China during the 1980s and early 1990s. He moved to Berlin in 1996 where he continued to experiment. His success in Europe was followed by a move to the US.

    Qin is now one of the most recognizable names of world contemporary art. Over the years, he has concentrated on the study of traditional Chinese culture and Western art and put them into practice. He adopts a broad artistic approach. He uses painting, installation and sculpture to give prominence to his unique artistic ideas. Qin is a multiple international award winner. His works are on display at important international institutions all over the globe.

    (Source: CCTV.com)