Fragrance of lotus 2020

Dayou Lu created “Fragrance of Lotus” with ink and color on paper, and it now resides here at the Shanghai Museum. This piece is a contemporary example of the Lingnan School of painting which originated in the Guangdong province in the late Qing dynasty. The Lingnan style integrates Western and Japanese painting techniques. Notice the emphasis on realism and the vividness of the colors that were adopted from Western art, while the free brushwork is owed to traditional Chinese painting. Lu's work is interesting when placed in the context of China's rapid modernization. While many artists have turned to completely Western styles, Lu embraces both tradition and innovation. Her choice of the lotus flower is also noteworthy, as it symbolizes purity and enlightenment in Buddhist culture. By studying works like this, we can gain insight into how Chinese artists navigate their cultural heritage amidst global influences.