Subtle modulations of light and tone animate the oil paintings of artists Kuang Zai and Xiaoyu Bai. Their works range across monochromatic domestic interiors and nature studies, in each case producing contemplative scenes that suggest universal awareness before shifting to single-pointed focus.
The coloration of Qingbai, Celadon and Persimmon glazes are echoed in these paintings, while the simplicity of the ‘chawan’ tea bowl and the daily rituals it contains are suggested in the casual placement of objects. Naturalism and simplicity of form were highly valued by Song Dynasty scholars and is here reflected in these paintings.