Hospital Postures
During the Ming
dynasty (1368 - 1644) china's economy was characterized by rapid exponential
success, however, artists of the time had to face increasing mistrust and
decline in imperial patronage. Leading to new dependencies on private supporters,
this change of affairs also revived the amateur-scholar as the ideal artist;
valuing individual expression over laborious craftsmanship and the former
representational style of court art. Celebrating motifs of reclusion and
endurance: awkwardness and asymmetrical composition became fostered formal
signature features of the era. Serving the growing social imperative of
cultural distinction (proving ones taste), these new styles were soon highly
prized by a burgeoning culture of new collectors. The question for today would
be: to what extent does this sound (all too) familiar?
Amy Zingfogl, Berlin, March 2013