Landscapes 1644

These landscape images were created by Zhang Feng using ink on paper in the 17th century. Zhang Feng lived during the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty, a time marked by political upheaval and social change. These landscapes, rendered in monochrome ink, evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection, but one can't help wonder if they reflect the artist's yearning for stability during a time of conflict. Traditional Chinese landscape painting often served as a medium for expressing personal emotions and philosophical ideas. These images, therefore, might be an emotional refuge for Zhang Feng, a space where he could meditate on the enduring beauty of nature amidst societal chaos. While seemingly traditional in their subject matter, these landscapes, like the misty mountains they depict, offer a space to consider the weight of cultural and personal identity during times of transition. They invite us to contemplate the relationship between the individual and the natural world.