SHEN QIN (CHINA, B. 1958)

For Shen Qin, the practice of ink painting is a state of mind. The use of muted, monochromatic palette is one of the most striking features of his work, depicting mountains, flowers, plants and still-life against the background of ponds, pavilions or imaginary spaces. Shen's portrayal of broadly contoured landscape with pared-down and minimalistic lines depicts scenes that recall the ethereal gardens and mountains described in classical Chinese poetry. By incorporating elements of design, Shen creates images imbued with a sense of quietness that resemble black-and-white film stills: light and airiness permeate his paintings and evoke reverie.