21st January 2008
This is the first showing in London of a unique collection of Chinese art formed by the great scholar and connoisseur of Chinese painting in the West, Michael Sullivan, and his wife Khoan.
The Sullivans' collection includes art acquired over a period of sixty-five years, beginning with the work of artists who were refugees in the province of Sichuan in Western China in the 1940s to contemporary artists. Most of the works were gifts from artists, whom the Sullivans came to know over the years, so that this is a very personal collection, witness to friendships going back over many decades.
Their collection developed over the course of more than half a century to include paintings, prints, woodcuts and drawings by the principal artists of late twentieth century China, as well as works by a new generation.
The first of these two exhibitions, Beginnings, focuses on works which are more traditional, often showing some connection with the orthodox guohua or Chinese national style. The pieces range from the 1940s through to the late 20th century. The second exhibition, A New Generation, shows works produced after the Beijing Spring of 1979-81 which released a wave of creative energy marking the art of the 1980s and 1990s.
The exhibitions will be curated by Professor Sullivan, world authority on twentieth century Chinese painting. His book Chinese Art in the Twentieth Century (1959) was the first ever on the subject while Art and Artists of Twentieth Century China (1996) provides the most complete survey and includes biographies of the artists.
'The collection bears witness to the generosity of our artist friends, who felt that their work, in our hands, would be appreciated and understood.' Michael Sullivan.
About Asia House
Asia House is the premier pan Asian organisation in Britain, promoting a greater understanding of the rich and varied Asian cultures and economies. We run a lively programme of approximately 150 events annually, covering Asian economics, politics, visual and performing arts, literature, food, film and fashion.
Situated in a beautiful 18th century listed building Asia House has a museum standard exhibition gallery and extensive facilities including fine rooms for lectures, performances and a wide range of business and cultural events.
Asia House is a new Central London cultural venue with a gallery showing both traditional and contemporary Asian Art. Our current exhibition, Eve Arnold In China (ends 12th January 2008) has been a huge success as was the summer show of Burmese artist Htein Lin's inspiring paintings and prints, Htein Lin: Burma Inside Out.
Gallery opening hours
Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, closed Sunday. Admittance £2.50, free to Asia House members and under 18s.
Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, London W1G 7LP
Part 1 - BEGINNINGS - 1 February - 15 March 2008
Part 2 - A NEW GENERATION - 1 April - 24 May 2008
