Collection of Sketches in the Borderlands by Fan Zeng presents a carefully chosen selection of masterly sketches, capturing the essence of his frontier journeys in his artistic prime. Divided into three distinct parts, the collection showcases his vibrant sketches of Yunnan’s flora, Xinjiang’s inhabitants, and the Dai people, all created after 1978.

Fan Zeng’s rigorous training at the esteemed Central Academy of Fine Arts is evident in this curated selection of sketches. While not intended as a comprehensive retrospective, it purposefully unveils his artistic evolution through a spectrum of techniques, encompassing pencil sketching, line drawing, and ink wash painting.  This dynamic collection offers a window into Fan Zeng’s journey of artistic exploration and refinement.

Sketching, long-valued by traditional Chinese painters, has been has been a devoted pursuit for Fan Zeng since the late 1970s. His borderland sketches offer a glimpse into his artistic discourse, showcasing how he absorbs influences from Western art while remaining firmly rooted in the aesthetics of Chinese painting. The strength and expressiveness of his brushwork embody the traditional emphasis on bone structure, while subtle adjustments to block construction enrich the language of lines.