Finger Painting 1684

This landscape, made in the Qing Dynasty by Gao Qipei, is created using finger painting. Gao Qipei served as an official under the Kangxi Emperor, but later resigned to dedicate his life to art. Finger painting was considered an unconventional art form during this time. Gao Qipei's adoption of this technique might be seen as a move away from traditional artistic and societal expectations. In Chinese culture, landscapes aren't just pretty pictures; they are deeply connected to ideas about harmony and our place in the world. Look at how the buildings are nestled into the mountain. It’s a comforting image which may reflect the artist’s own feelings about belonging and identity. By using his fingers instead of a brush, Gao Qipei invites us to connect with the painting in a more intimate, tactile way. What feelings rise up in you when viewing this landscape? Does it challenge or affirm your own sense of connection to the world around you?