Shanghai - "Ink Painting Dream", and exhibition shwocasing Lan Zhenghui's ink wash paintings, will be on view at Contrasts Gallery in Shanghai from January 6 to March 15, 2011 at No.181 Middle Jiangxi Road, G/F, Shanghai, China.

Lan Zhenghui's momumental paintings and striking use of black ink reflect his constant pursuit of expression and feeling. His works are "emotional bursts on paper" characterized by an abstract ink-splash style. Influenced by his background in science, Lan's aesthetic moves deftly between the realms of the rational and irrational. His brushstrokes are created by systemic body movements, which contribute to the visual and spiritual impact of the works with the swelling of muscle, blood, and physical power.

Lan's work transmits the "strokes" of traditional Chinese calligraphy into the "structure" of modern painting, the "freehand" of traditional Chinese painting in to the "expression" of modern painting, and replaces the "chi" found in Chinese ink brush tradition with his own "heavy ink" approach.

The exhibition will feature five series of works, which explore the basic principles at the origin of a painting. Each different series stresses aspects of Lan's ink-painting dream. Thus, in his aesthetic, his dream is combined with scholarly thought. The "Lovesick" series embodies a conflict of complex human emotions, while his "Leap" series symbolizes a pioneering spirit striving to make progress. Referring to  one of the most important topics for our contemporary scholars, "Leap" conceptualizes the feeling of jumping as an epitome of heroism. The "Standing" series represents Lan's artworks from the past and future, elaborating on his existence, value and significance as a person. The "Hesitation" series suggests misgivings, retrospection and hesitation, but also concentrates on the activities of the human heart, the power of thought and contradiction. The final series "Satori" refers to the sudden enlightenment achieved in Zen Buddhism. The series expresses his insight on and perception of objects and their essence.

"Ink Painting Dream" refers to the general rather than the specific. It illustrates the chasm between dream and reality and, ultimately, embodies the artist's views on the future of ink painting.