Chen Shuren

Early Experiences

Born in Mingjing, Panyu, Guangdong, in 1884, Chen studied under painter Ju Lian. In 1903, Chen and two brothers, Gao Jianfu and Gao Qifeng, co-founded the Guangdong Daily. Together, the trio, known collectively by their surnames "Two Gous and one Chan" or as "The three greats of Lingnan", became leaders of the Lingnan school of painting, credited with popularizing the nihonga art style in China. Chen joined the Tongmenghui upon its establishment in 1905.

Study Aboard and Political work

In 1906, he left to attend art school in Kyoto (Kyoto City School of Arts and Crafts). In KyotoIn Kyoto, he was exposed to the sketching styles of Kudo Ketsuemon and Yamamoto Chūjiro, and also learned Japanese painting from teachers such as Kawabe Shōfū. He returned to China in 1912 after accepting a teaching position in Guangdong. He went back to Japan in 1913, enrolling at Rikkyo University. Upon completing his studies, Chen remained overseas, serving as secretary general of the Canadian branch of the Kuomintang. He became active in the Guangdong Kuomintang chapter in 1922, the same year he arrived in China. Chen became allied with Wang Jingwei between 1928 and 1931. From 1932 to 1947, Chen led the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission. He withdrew politically from Wang, who led a Japan-friendly collaborationist government from 1940 to 1944.

General Discussion

At the very beginning, Chen Shuren painted flower-and-bird paintings similar to those of his teacher Ju Lian. Ju lian prefers to first apply water or white powder on the prepared paper, and then add the colors, allowing the colors to blend naturally.Compared with traditional copying of painting manuals, the teaching at Shixiangyuan placed greater emphasis on direct life drawing from real objects. This was in line with the subsequent modern life drawing training he received in Japan.When he was studying in Japan, the reform of Japanese painting was taking place. This enabled him to come into contact with various Japanese art schools.

Shanshui Painting

Chen Shuren referred to the on-site records he made of nature as "copying the scene" . During his travels, he quickly sketched the mountain shapes, trees, roads and water flows using pencils, pens, light ink or watercolors. After returning to his residence, he would then organize these sketches into colored ink paintings on paper.

Chen Shuren's "Guilin Landscape Album" is a typical example of his shanshui paintings. In 1931, Chen Shuren embarked on a political retreat journey to Guilin, Guangxi. During his stay in Guilin, he created a series of paintings and sketches based on the real natural landscapes of the area. In 1932, Chen Shuren's paintings in Guilin were published as a book by Shanghai Heping Publishing House, titled "Guilin Landscape Album". Chen Shuren's depiction of landmark scenic spots and specific topographical elements truly presents the local characteristic landscapes. This approach enables the regional scenery to be accessible to the general public.