Exhibition View of “Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition”
On May 1, 2025, “Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition” was unveiled at the Yungang Art Museum in Datong, Shanxi. From a unique perspective, it contributes to a dialogue between the cultural relics of the Yungang Grottoes and the Yunju Temple, with her works inspired by traditional heritage. It reflects Zheng’s unique comprehension and artistic pursuit of “Prajna” and Eastern wisdom through calligraphy and paintings.
Exhibition View of “Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition”
The exhibition also facilitates an artistic dialogue between traditional and contemporary arts transcending time and space, inviting visitors to appreciate the profound aesthetic nourishment of the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi and the Yunju Temple in Beijing. Thus they may experience the contemporary interpretations and inheritances of traditional cultural connotations through various artistic forms.
The exhibition is divided into two sections: “Beyond Clouds” and “Innermost Feelings”. The artist upholds the philosophy of “meditating Zen in ink”, where the formless clouds can carry rain, snow, and thunder, and a heart can accommodate myriad emotions of joy and sorrow. This establishes an ethereal and clear style for the exhibition, guiding viewers to contemplate the profound relationship between art and nature, and among states of mind.
Exhibition View of “Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition”
As the artist Zheng explains, the biggest difference and breakthrough of “Prajna” lies in her dialogue with traditional heritage, “I try to interpret the sculptural art of Yungang from a new perspective by using a contemporary artistic expression, and I hope to provide a visual experience that blends tradition and innovation. Mr. Su Bai once said: ‘Yungang records the nation-founding history of Xianbei people inscribed in stone.’ The iron chisels of the Tartar artisans (ethnic groups in the north and west of China in ancient times), the ink and wash by the painters from the Western Regions (a Han Dynasty term for the area west of Yumenguan, including what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia), and the inscriptions of scholars from the Central Plains, all of which intermingle on the rock walls to form a diverse and symbiotic totem. The Buddha statues of Yungang may age, but the creativity inherent in the artisans’ blood will remain forever young. When the audience stands before the work, they can feel the force of chiseling from the Northern Wei dynasty; from a space of blankness, they can glimpse the galaxy painted by multiple ethic groups—this is the most vivid practice of cultural confidence.”
Exhibition View of “Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition”
As a large-scale solo exhibition crafted by artist Zheng Qinyan, “Prajna” is not only a comprehensive display and selected presentation of her artistic exploration, but it is also a tribute to the cultural heritage of the Yungang art. It showcases her unique understanding and pursuit of “Prajna” and serves as a profound discussion on “the essence of life through an artistic dialogue”. The exhibition remains on view till August 28, 2025.
About the Exhibition
Prajna: Zheng Qinyan Art Exhibition
Organizers: Central Academy of Fine Arts, Yungang Academy
Supported by: Publicity Department of the CPC Fangshan District Committee, Cultural Relics Management Office of Yunju Temple at Fangshan District, Beijing
Dates: May 1, 2025 - August 28, 2025
Venue: Yungang Art Museum, Datong, Shanxi
Courtesy of the Artist, edited by CAFA ART INFO.
