An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Finger Painting, from an album of ten1684
Artist: Gao Qipei
Chinese, 1660 - 1734
two horned animals with fingerprint bodies at top of a bluish-grey hill; large empty space in middle ground, blue and grey mountains beyond
H.9-5/8 x W.12-9/16 in. (image)
Ink and color on paper
Finger painting
China
17th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In the serene landscapes of northeastern China, a remarkable story began to unfold. Born into a distinguished family, Gao Qipei entered a world cradled in tradition and duty. His early years saw him navigating the halls of power in Anhui province, where he held the reins as a senior provincial official. But his heart beat in rhythm with the brushstrokes of an artist; by the tender age of eight, his talent for painting had already begun to capture the gaze of the court.
Time passed, and as the late 1600s approached, a subtle transformation was brewing. The air quivered with whispers of individualism, inspiring artists to delve into their own souls. Gao, driven by an insatiable hunger for self-expression, yearned to carve out an identity that was authentically his own. He cast aside the rigid confines of traditional techniques, seeking a path that merged spontaneity with raw emotion.
In this pursuit, a new style emerged. His fingers became the instruments of his imagination. Gao experimented boldly, not merely dipping his fingertips into ink but using the side of his hand to create broad, sweeping strokes. The world around him transformed into his canvas, where jagged lines danced and uneven washes whispered tales of authenticity. He even chose to grow a fingernail long, splitting it like a pen nib, a tool for crafting art that surged from deep within.
Each piece he created was an echo of his spirit, marked by fingerprints and vivid brushwork that brought forth emotions and stories untold. Gao Qipei’s art, raw and alive, spoke not only of a masterful hand but also of a profound essence—a legacy that flourished amidst the beauty of his unique vision in a time of great change.
About the artist
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