This is a philosophy we wholly embrace in “Learning from the Literati 4.” In this fourth itineration of our series we asked participating artists to first revisit the literati: their philosophy (Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism), the aesthetics of their gardens and paintings and the role of the literati traditional society. Yet here you will not find a slavish imitation of the masters, but rather reflections, not only the importance of the literati values but also the frictions experienced by society, the “bitterness” we experience when these values collide against a changing contemporary landscape.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

Artists: Chai Yiming, Girolamo Marri, Li Haifeng, Li Xiaofei, Monika Lin,
Ouyan Wendong, Wei Qingji, Wu Jian’an (Andy Mo), Xu Zhifeng