An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Flower-and-Bird Finger Painting from an Album of Ten Leaves1684
Maker: Gao Qipei
Chinese, 1660 - 1734
white swooping bird at center; curving flowering branch at top and right
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 heart of Jiangxi, nestled among misty mountains and flowing rivers, a child was born to a family with a rich Manchu heritage. This boy, named Gao Qipei, grew up under the watchful eyes of nature's beauty, landscapes stretching like dreams before him. As he wandered the lush hills and serene valleys, a creative spark ignited within him, guiding his hands toward an extraordinary destiny.
Gao Qipei found his way into the world of colors and canvas, eventually becoming a distinguished official in southern China. But it was not the offices and titles that would etch his name into history; it was his passion for painting. With a palette of vibrant hues and a heart brimming with inspiration, he began by capturing landscapes and the figures of everyday life, unveiling beauty that spoke to the soul.
By the age of twenty, Gao's artistry started to take on a unique form. Whispers of his eccentricity wafted through the air, lingering like the aromas of ink and paint. He grew weary of the conventional brush; instead, he sought a more tactile connection with his art. His fingers became his tools—a rebellion against tradition, a dance of creativity that transcended the expected.
But Gao didn’t stop there. With determination, he let his fingernails flourish, crafting them into extensions of his own identity. His fingertips became instruments of expression, making sweeping strokes across the canvas like a maestro leading a symphony. The world looked on in awe as he painted with his hands in a style entirely his own, merging the familiar with the unconventional.
Through Gao Qipei’s vision, we glimpse a story of transformation—a journey from the realms of bureaucratic duty to the boundless freedom of artistic innovation. In every stroke, every flourish of his fingers, a narrative of humanity unfolded, inviting us all to explore the profound connection between touch, art, and the spirit of creation. As we stand before the canvases of his imagination, we are reminded that sometimes, the paths less traveled lead to the most beautiful destinations.
About the artist
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