Fragrance of lotus 2020

Dayou Lu painted "Fragrance of Lotus" using ink and color on paper, and it now resides here in the Shanghai Museum. This work invites us to consider the continuing resonance of traditional Chinese painting in contemporary artistic practice. The lotus, a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhist thought, along with the egret, is rendered with delicate brushwork, evoking a sense of tranquility, and hinting at the philosophical underpinnings of Chinese art. Consider the cultural and political context in which Lu operates. How does her work negotiate the complex relationship between tradition and modernity in post-revolutionary China? Is she challenging or reinforcing the conventions of traditional ink painting? To fully appreciate this work, we might delve into the history of Chinese ink painting, its relationship to calligraphy, and its role in shaping cultural identity. We can also consider the ways in which institutions like the Shanghai Museum contribute to the construction of artistic value and the perpetuation of cultural heritage.