Artists draw inspiration from legendary poet-monk

Han Shan (cold mountain), a monk from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) who wrote over 300 poems, was largely ignored in his own time. His fame grew in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), however, when his poems spread to Japan and South Korea. 

Later, in the 20th century, he became internationally known as his works were translated into English and French.

An exhibition titled “Rough and Dark — The Cold Mountain Trial” was recently unveiled at the Han Shan Art Museum in Suzhou.

Organized by the museum and the Visual Culture Research Center of China Academy of Art, the exhibition features works created by nine Chinese artists to reflect their interpretation of the poetic world conjured up by Han Shan.

“I personally prefer the poems written by him very much, and I hope that our artists can reach the spiritual world of Han Shan in their own art,” said Gao Shiming, organizer of the exhibition.

It is said that Han Shan was born into an imperial family, but in his 30s he became a Buddhist monk at Tiantai Mountain in Zhejiang Province. In the eyes of many, the spirit that permeated in his poems represents a wayward lifestyle and a self-return.

The highlight of the exhibition, running through February 29, goes to the haunting Chinese landscape-inspired video installation titled “The River and Mountain — the six chapter,” created by Gao Shiqiang.

Exhibition info

Date: Through February 29, 10am-5pm
Venue: Han Shan Art Museum
Address: 999 Taihu Avenue, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Ti Gong

Ti Gong