Spring-themed paintings ring in the Year of the Pig

Zhejiang Art Museum is displaying a myriad of paintings themed on spring to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The exhibit showcases green tint and vigor in the present-day winter period to evoke the nation’s yearning for the coming spring.

The exhibition, which runs through March 3, displays around 100 works from several different genres, including woodcut, ink-wash, watercolor and oil paintings, to portray springtime vibrancy through unique artistic expression methods.

West Lake is a major theme under the brush of the painters at the exhibition. The spring of the lake often enchants people by virtue of its picturesque landscape, thriving flowers and the poetic vibe evoked from traditional gardens.

Chen Jialeng uses a simple layout and strokes to present Su Causeway, which is flanked by lush vegetation and blooming peach blossoms in spring. The horizontal causeway makes the painting symmetric, taking on the tranquility of the lake. That is in sharp contrast with the lively scene on the land.

Woodblock print master Zhang Yangxi produced a print depicting the view of Ruangong Islet in West Lake. He used sophisticated carving techniques to depict tiles on roofs, leaves on trees and watercrafts on lake.

Another notable painter, Wu Guanzhong, recognized as one of the founders of modern Chinese painting, combines influences from fauvism and impressionism to create an oil painting themed on green hue and dotted with flowers. The simple and plain strokes leave space for people to imagine a vigorous spring.

Date: Through March 3, closed on Mondays

Address: 138 Nanshan Rd

Admission: Free