"Life drawing" is part of Platform China’s year-long project "Jungle II". Participating artists include: Bi Jianye, Cui Cancan, Duan Jianyu, Feng Xiaoguang, Huang Liang, Li Dafang, Li Songsong, Liu Xiaohui, Ma Ke, Qin Qi, Wang Xingwei, Wang Yin, Xiang Nan, Xiao Bo, Xie Nanxing, Zhang Yexing, Zhao Gang and Zhou Yilun.

Since the 1980’s, the extensive use and accessibility of photographic techniques and equipment have pushed certain artists to adopt technological methods to research their work over more traditional ones, primarily for their convenience. As a result, the definition of life drawing and the way it is executed has also changed: the concept of "Life drawing/painting" or “Sketching” has nowadays become increasingly diverse and broad. As a form of painting, it can be perceived as an original art form in itself, it can sometimes be far more introverted than a finished piece and becomes a painting that artist paints for himself. "Life drawing/painting" can be an alternative way to paint, it can be a collage of daily material, which supplements painted works, and also provides a unique insight into the artist’s understanding of painting.

Photographs provide visual references to support the artwork, but cannot completely replace the life drawing. Life drawing/ painting represents an enjoyable exercise for artists, it helps to define, explore and carry out leading creative ideas; it also helps to get a more sophisticated understanding of the world we live in. Life drawing remains very important to this day, whether it is to improve painting techniques, collect material and enrich one’s experience of life, bridge the gap between the artwork and the world it is created in or simply as a creative practice.

The "Life Drawing" project aims to provide artists with a relaxed and open platform, which is not limited to the conventional concept of life drawing. Every artist is free to define and express its meaning, according to their own practice and ideas.

Image: © Wang Xingwei, Platform China