Gao Qi-Feng
Biography
A native of Panyu in Guangdong province,
Gao Qifeng (1889-1933), original name Weng, was the younger brother of
Gao Jianfu (1879?951), with whom he learned painting in his early
years before also going to Japan , in 1907, to study under Tanaka
Raisho (1868-1940). He is also acclaimed as one of the "Three Masters
of the Lingnan School ". This painting is one of the finest examples
of Gao Qifeng's work. A couple of chickens are depicted sheltering
peacefully under a birch-leaf pear tree. Falling petals and a
colour-washed background, together with the two resting chickens,
create a romantic, poetic and dream-like visual impact. Exquisitely
executed, the chickens and the birch-leaf pear are vivid and solid,
yet the artist is able to capture a transient moment of nature. Gao
successfully combined the poetic element of Chinese painting, Japanese
pleinair painting and Western techniques to develop a unique personal
style.