Limited Views Essays on Ideas and Letters

Tony Franks

Bai Ming's recent retrospective exhibition in Paris demonstrated a wide-ranging expression in both ceramics and painting. In both fields he is a considerable master, and while these two distinct areas of activity express very different aesthetic sensibilities, they both demonstrate a breadth of visual research and a depth of personal concern. While so different in content and appearance they express similar temperaments; both are tranquil and elegant, both simple and profound, reflecting perhaps the abstract base of most Chinese art. Occasional contradictory elements, however, show glimpses of turmoil in the harmony as though real life disturbs the inner spirit. Perhaps this is a constant element in the Chinese tradition, but while both Bai Ming's paintings and ceramics have the familiar appeal of tradition, they are also both highly original and individual. The paintings are heavily textured, robust and energetic, as though still in progress, while the ceramics are more refined and quieter with a high gloss sophisticated finish. But mystery pervades all the work; nothing is obvious; and we come away from Bai Ming's exhibition enriched, but still curious.