Introduction
“Aesthetic principles” revolve around forms such as symmetry, contrast, and repetition that allow people to sense the presence of “beauty.” An outstanding work of art must thus embody a certain number of relevant aesthetic principles, but just as importantly, these principles can actually serve as a fundamental and highly practical tool for artistic appreciation.
This exhibition presents aesthetic principles as a vital new viewpoint from which museum goers can appreciate Chinese painting. It shows NPM visitors how to apply these principles when observing how painters employed dots, lines, fills, colors, shapes, space, and other components of visual language, making it possible for each of us to profoundly experience of the beauty of painting.
Aesthetic principles can help art lovers to transcend the boundaries of language, culture, and knowledge, letting us develop a “keen eye” for artistic appreciation. What this means is that understanding aesthetic principles allows us to appreciate artworks with an independent spirit, with no need to rely on others’ opinions. And ultimately, it lets us achieve the goal of infusing our lives with art.