Upcoming Event：Reachings – Watercolour Exhibition X2

FOREWORD

Art has a unique ability to transcend boundaries – to connect the past with the present, the local with the universal. In this exhibition, where the Chinese artist Gu Yuan meets contemporary Swedish watercolour artists, we witness a dialogue between different times, cultures and artistic traditions. This fusion is not only a meeting of East and West, but also a reflection on how artistic techniques can be reinterpreted across generations and geographies.

Watercolour painting has deep roots in both Chinese and European art histories, yet these traditions have evolved with distinct techniques and philosophies. Chinese watercolour, or ink wash painting, often emphasizes fluidity, spontaneity, and the expressive power of the brush. It is deeply connected to calligraphy and the idea of capturing the spirit rather than precise details. In contrast, European aquarelle painting has traditionally focused on light, transparency and layering, creating depth and atmosphere through controlled washes and glazing. Despite these differences, both traditions share a fascination for water as a medium of transformation.

Gu Yuan (1919–1996) was a distinguished artist and educator whose works, rooted in China’s rich watercolour tradition, carry a poetic precision where each brushstroke reveals a dialogue between human and nature. Whether he captures melancholic landscapes or playgrounds, his watercolours depict everyday life in China with a vibrant poetic and humanistic touch.

Alongside his works, we present works by contemporary Swedish artists, each exploring the possibilities of watercolour in their own way – both rooted in European traditions and embracing new experimental techniques – from minimalist compositions to abstract flowing forms. Bringing these artistic expressions together, creates a platform for reflection and inspiration and also an invitation to contemplation. We hope that visitors will experience the exhibition as a journey through the transformative power of light and colour. Our strive is to create a rhythm where each work is allowed to breathe, while the whole weaves together a story of shared human creation.

Thank you to all the participating artists, Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House and China Cultural Center team for making this exhibition possible.

Huang Xiao

Maria Nordsø Lundberg

Curators