3.1 Early Modernist Movements in China, Japan, and Korea

Early modernist movements in East Asia transformed art scenes in China, Japan, and Korea. Artists blended traditional techniques with Western influences, creating unique styles like Nihonga in Japan and the Lingnan School in China. These movements reflected cultural shifts and societal changes.

In Japan, Gutai and Mono-ha pushed boundaries with experimental approaches. China's New Culture Movement sparked artistic innovation, while Korea's Dansaekhwa explored minimalism. These diverse movements showcased East Asia's dynamic engagement with modernism, reflecting each country's distinct cultural context and artistic vision.

Japanese Modernist Movements

Traditional and Western-Influenced Painting Styles

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• Nihonga emerged as a modern interpretation of traditional Japanese painting techniques and materials
  • Utilized mineral pigments, ink, and silk or paper supports
  • Focused on Japanese subject matter and aesthetics
  • Prominent artists include Yokoyama Taikan and Hishida Shunsō
• Yōga developed as a Western-style oil painting movement in Japan
  • Adopted European techniques, materials, and subject matter
  • Introduced perspective, shading, and realistic representation
  • Notable artists include Kuroda Seiki and Fujishima Takeji
• Mōrō-tai combined elements of Nihonga and Yōga
  • Characterized by hazy, dreamlike atmospheric effects
  • Blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western techniques
  • Pioneered by artist Fujishima Takeji

Avant-Garde and Experimental Movements

• Gutai Group formed in post-war Japan, emphasizing artistic freedom and experimentation
  • Focused on performance art, installations, and interactive works
  • Explored the relationship between body, matter, and space
  • Key figures include Yoshihara Jirō and Shiraga Kazuo
• Mono-ha emerged in the late 1960s, emphasizing the use of natural and industrial materials
  • Explored the relationships between objects, space, and perception
  • Rejected traditional artistic representation and focused on materiality
  • Notable artists include Lee Ufan and Sekine Nobuo
• Sōsaku-hanga developed as a creative printmaking movement
  • Emphasized the artist's involvement in all stages of printmaking
  • Broke away from traditional ukiyo-e collaborative process
  • Prominent artists include Onchi Kōshirō and Munakata Shikō

Chinese Modernist Movements

Cultural and Intellectual Transformations

• New Culture Movement emerged in the early 20th century, promoting modernization and cultural reform
  • Advocated for vernacular literature and Western-style education
  • Challenged traditional Confucian values and social norms
  • Key figures include Lu Xun and Chen Duxiu
• Woodcut Movement developed as a form of social and political commentary
  • Utilized woodblock printing techniques to create bold, expressive images
  • Addressed themes of social injustice and national struggle
  • Notable artists include Li Hua and Gu Yuan

Regional Artistic Schools and Styles

• Lingnan School blended traditional Chinese painting with Western techniques
  • Originated in Guangdong province in the late 19th century
  • Incorporated elements of Japanese Nihonga and European impressionism
  • Key figures include Gao Jianfu and Gao Qifeng
• Shanghai School emerged as a modern approach to traditional Chinese painting
  • Characterized by bold brushwork and vibrant colors
  • Incorporated elements of Western art and commercial design
  • Prominent artists include Ren Xiong and Wu Changshuo
• Beijing School developed as a counterpoint to the Shanghai School
  • Emphasized traditional literati painting techniques and aesthetics
  • Focused on landscape painting and calligraphy
  • Notable artists include Qi Baishi and Huang Binhong

Korean Modernist Movements

Abstract and Monochromatic Expressions

• Dansaekhwa emerged in the 1970s as a minimalist, abstract painting movement
  • Characterized by monochromatic color schemes and repetitive gestures
  • Explored materiality, process, and meditation in art-making
  • Key figures include Park Seo-bo and Lee Ufan
• Tachisme developed as a Korean interpretation of Art Informel
  • Emphasized spontaneous, gestural abstraction
  • Utilized bold brushstrokes and expressive color
  • Notable artists include Kim Whanki and Nam Kwan

Socially Engaged and Political Art

• Minjung art movement emerged in the 1980s as a form of political and social critique
  • Addressed issues of democracy, human rights, and national identity
  • Utilized figurative styles and traditional Korean motifs
  • Prominent artists include Oh Yoon and Shin Hak-chul