For the Taoist artist, the art of painting lay in manifesting the inner qi of the artist's own being in an equivalent painted landscape, where a corresponding expression of qi could be traced. As a result, an awareness of the theory of yin and yang can enrich one's appreciation of Chinese landscape painting. Early painting manuals stressed the importance of artists capturing the movement of vital energy or qi that defines and animates the landscape. Water and mountains figured prominently because they represent the balance of yin and yang forces. Included in this section of the exhibition are the works of several famous Chinese painters that show an understanding of Taoist principles and beliefs.
Some paintings depict mythical sacred mountains populated by Taoist immortals.
Others depict real mountains known for their Taoist temples. Several famous Taoist priests lived in the mountains and became accomplished landscape painters. All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act of 1976, this work may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner.