Ink Painting Lab

8 Weeks, April 5-May 24
Saturdays, 1:00-3:00pm

Workshop

This is a two-part, eight-week course on the technique and history of Chinese ink art, a millennia-old visual and pictorial language. Taught by interdisciplinary artist and researcher Huiqi, we will think of the temporal and spatial dimensions of ink art: how painting technique and its relationship to the body influence the way one perceives the world, producing a perception of space and time that differs from linear perspective? We will discuss the history of ink art—spanning ancient ink painting to contemporary interdisciplinary practices—from the apparatus of art history, cultural studies, cultural anthropology, and more. We will also learn ink painting techniques—such as line work, coloring, handling of brush, ink and paper, and more—through a series of practices.

Themes are interconnected yet self-contained. Students may enroll in one class, one part, or a full two-part course at a time.

About the Instructor

Huiqi He is an interdisciplinary artist and researcher whose practice is rooted in local experiences, rituals, and memories, She lets fluid queer experiences and practices disperse, touch, and connect within the interstices of forests in cross-cultural spaces. Huiqi’s recent work focuses on the shamanistic practices and narratives of southern China, combining ethnographic research methods with personal bodily sensory experiences to create multimedia works such as video, ink painting, installation, and performance. Huiqi graduated with a BFA in Chinese Painting from Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, an MFA in Art Practice from the School of Visual Arts, and an MA in Visual Anthropology from Goldsmiths.

Course Outcome

Foundational knowledge of Chinese ink painting material and technique.
Applying ink technique into still life, figurative, landscape, and improvisational painting.
Foundational knowledge of Chinese ink art history and terminologies.
An interdisciplinary lens on Chinese ink art.
1-on-1 mentorship from the instructor on topics varying from ink painting to interdisciplinary art, research and professional practices.
Community generated from a small cohort learning environment.

Materials

Ink
Mineral paint
Brushes of different sizes
A variety of Chinese rice paper, scrolls, paper panels, and fans
Felt table mat
Porcelain ink dish, or any dish for mixing ink
Water bucket
Paper towel

We will provide ink, paint, brushes, and paper for class use. You may take all the artwork you’ve produced with you.

Weekly Schedule

GET TICKETS FROM THE LINK BELOW👇

Part 1

Chinese Ink Painting Traditions 传统篇

Week 1

The Art of Line: Line Practice of Calligraphy and Flower Drawing

线的艺术-书法与花鸟线描练习

Week 2

Figure Painting: Deities and Courtly Women

人物画-神仙和仕女画练习

Week 3

Landscape & Literati Painting: Mountains and Rocks practice

山水画 &文人画传统: 山与石的笔墨练习

Week 4

Zen Painting: The Six Persimmons practice

禅画: 六柿图练习

Part 2

Contemporary Ink Practice 当代篇

Week 5

Folk Art Practice: Water Margin (水浒) Playing Cards

民间的水墨-水浒叶子练习

Week 6

Modern Ink Revolution and Freehand Brush Style Practice

水墨画的近现代转向-大写意练习

Week 7

From Literati Tradition to Contemporary Ink: Small-Scale Ink Works

从文人画传统到当代水墨实践-小品画练习

Week 8

Materiality of Ink Art & Cross-Disciplinary Practice

水墨的物质性与跨媒介实践