Tradition Redefined: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Ink Paintings from the Chu-Tsing Li Collection, 1950-2000

Drawn from the Chu-tsing Li collection of modern and contemporary Chinese paintings―the finest and most comprehensive of its kind in the West―A Tradition Redefined is the first in-depth exploration of the development of Chinese ink painting during the last half century. These extraordinary paintings demonstrate the reinvigoration of classical techniques and materials by artists throughout Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and abroad working with distinctly contemporary perspectives.

Illuminating essays situate these new works within the rich history of ink painting in China, revealing how avant-garde artists, schools, and trends evoke traditional and early modern Chinese art while engaging with developments in the international art world. With artist biographies and handsome reproductions of many previously unpublished paintings, this book is essential for scholars and collectors of Asian art as well as for participants in the increasingly globalized contemporary art scene.

Exhibition Schedule:

 Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Harvard University Art Museums (November 3, 2007 – January 27, 2008) 

Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona (June 28 – September 14, 2008)

Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida (October 11, 2008 – January 4, 2009) 

Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence (February 11 – May 24, 2009)

Robert D. Mowry is Alan J. Dworsky Curator of Chinese Art, Harvard University Art Museums. Janet Baker is curator of Asian Art, Phoenix Art Museum. Claudia Brown is professor of art history, Herberger College of the Arts, Arizona State University. Arnold Chang is an independent scholar. Chun-yi Lee is an artist and Ph.D. student, Arizona State University. Melissa Moy is assistant curator of Chinese art, Harvard University Art Museums.