| Transcript |
- FOREWORD
The opportunity to present this special exhibition and publication of 20th Century Chinese Painting is one of import for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and it is one which we have been planning for a number of years. The AGGV since its beginning has had a primary focus on the art of the Pacific Rim, both Canadian and Asian, and of the past and present. We are very pleased therefore to have the opportunity to explore the art of China of this century on the eve of its close.
Over the past number of years in our exhibition programme we have looked at the work of some of the individual artists represented in this study, and we have explored some of the major tenets in 20th century Chinese painting. This exhibition and publication have enabled us to take the work further, to examine the trends and developments of Chinese painting over the course of the century, and the various influences impacting new move�ments, as well as those emanating from Chinese art to that created elsewhere in the world. By presenting the exhibition in two parts, Tradition, and Innovation, Barry Till has added more insights into the political, cultural and aesthetic roots, meaning and visual vocabulary in the work of these important artists. It has been a century of many changes and cultural upheavals, ones which naturally have manifested themselves in the work of visual artists.
The collection of the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria is the primary source of the paintings included in this exhibition, most of which have been donated to the AGGV by our long-term friend, supporter and Chinese art connoisseur, Brian McElney. He developed his personal collection over many years, and has loaned and donated both historical and 20th century works of all media to the Gallery. This concentration on the collection of Chinese paintings was to ensure that the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria would have a good and representa�tive collection of Chinese 20th century painting. Thus Mr. McElney purposely set out to include works by as many of the major artists as were available. We are very grateful for his gifts and for the breadth of this collection, and for Brian McElney�s generosity in sharing his knowledge. It is thus with great pride that at the end of the century we present this work, and publication documenting 100 years of creative expression.
In order to undertake the project I would also like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Museums Assistance Programme for their financial assistance to the publication and project. It is only with publications like this that we are able to share the collection and the depth of research on the collection to those audiences unable to travel to Victoria.
I would also like to congratulate and thank Barry Till for his long-time work and commit�ment for this exhibition and publication. It is timely, and has benefited from the researches which he has done over the past number of years, and I know it will provide a basis for ongoing studies of Chinese painting. Thanks too go to all the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria staff who assisted him, from collections management, installation, clerical assistance, and more.
Patricia E. Bovey Director, AGGV, August 1998
3
|
|---|
