Landscape After Huang Gongwang 1752

Wang Yu made this landscape scroll after Huang Gongwang around the mid-18th century, using ink and color on paper. At first glance, it might seem like a straightforward painting, but the choice of paper is quite significant. The fibrous nature of the paper support, combined with the absorbent quality, means that the ink bleeds ever so slightly, creating soft edges and atmospheric effects. This is no accident. The artist has deliberately worked with the material to achieve a sense of depth and distance, guiding our eye through the landscape. Think about the labor involved in preparing the paper, grinding the ink, and applying each brushstroke with precision. Wang Yu engaged with a rich tradition of ink painting. By attending to the materials and processes, we can appreciate the skill and artistry required to create such a delicate and evocative image, and challenge any separation of fine art and craft.