The “Chao Shao-an Gallery” is named after a Chinese grand master, one of the leading lights of a particular artistic style dating to the early 20th century, known as Lingnan, after the region where it first became popular. Lingnan takes its inspiration from traditional Japanese painting, although it maintains many original Chinese characteristics, and has also taken on board Western influences.
In the paintings on display, you can admire landscapes, trees and animals such as peacocks, tigers and monkeys. Many of the works illustrate the artist’s impressions from his numerous travels.
Among the most fascinating works is “Skull in a faded dream”, from 1955, with a predominantly gray background with an abandoned skull lying in a field near some white azaleas, highlighting the sharp contrast between life and death and testifying to the fact that life goes on, despite the traumas of war and loss.
