Harvest in the Autumn 2020

Dayou Lu created 'Harvest in the Autumn' using ink and colour on paper. Traditional Chinese paintings often celebrated the natural world as an ordered and harmonious system and this work continues that tradition. But, in recent decades, the function of ink painting has been debated. The rise of Western art in China has challenged ink paintings dominant role. Some artists and critics saw it as outdated, calling for its modernization. However, the history of ink wash painting in China is long and highly valued, this piece is evocative of that history. Lu's work reflects the way social and political forces shape artistic production. She reminds us that our aesthetic preferences are never natural or neutral, but always tied to specific historical and cultural contexts. Looking at works such as this helps us understand how art can reflect and challenge existing norms. By studying the historical and cultural contexts of art, we gain insight into its meaning and significance.