“Did you know that Zhang Daqian, the “Picasso of China,” once called Chengdu home? Today, we stand before a monument to his genius at Da Bu Wai Qiu, Zhang Daqian’s former residence. It offers a glimpse into the life of a man whose art captivated the world.
Zhang Daqian, born in 1899, became one of the most celebrated Chinese artists of the 20th century. His journey began with a dream. Before his birth, his mother dreamt of an elderly man presenting her with a bronze basin and entrusting a baby to her care. This child, she was told, disliked the moon, meat, and fish.
Zhang Daqian’s artistic journey began at age nine. His mother encouraged his love for art. His brother, also a successful artist, helped establish him in the art world. They traveled to Japan where Zhang studied textile dyeing. Despite early business aspirations, he chose art.
Later, to avoid an arranged marriage after his girlfriend’s death, Zhang Daqian secluded himself in a monastery. He quietly practiced his art. He repeated this pattern near Chengdu, staying in monasteries from 1938-1940 and 1941-1943. He also spent time in a Taoist temple near Chengdu, finding delight in painting nature.
A master of copying the great masters, Zhang Daqian could reproduce paintings so perfectly. Connoisseurs often mistook his forgeries for the originals. One collector insisted on buying Zhang’s copy of Shih Tao, believing it was authentic. His forgeries earned him millions. However, his original works displayed true brilliance.
In 1948, political changes forced Zhang Daqian to leave China. He traveled extensively, exhibiting his art. He lived in Argentina and Brazil before settling in California in 1971. His time in California influenced his art.
Innovations appeared in his landscape paintings. His style became known as splash-ink painting. It had expressionistic and impressionistic qualities.
Homesick, Zhang Daqian eventually returned to Taipei. He built a residence near the Palace Museum. He died there in 1983. His ashes rest under a rock he brought from California.
Zhang Daqian painted around 30,000 paintings. His legacy lives on. His fusion of Western styles with traditional Chinese subjects makes him a legend. His work continues to inspire and captivate art lovers worldwide. Here at Da Bu Wai Qiu, we can almost feel his presence, the spirit of a true artistic giant.”