Art of the Unspoken - Dr Richard Wu

Art of the Unspoken - Dr Richard Wu

The defining challenges of the 21st century are discontinuity and alienation - from 

nature, from spirituality, and from ourselves - as our cultural legacies grow 

increasingly distant. Aligning with ACAR’s mission to foster cultural exchange 

between China and Australia, Dr. Wu introduces classical Chinese art, specifically 

the contemplative genre of ‘xie yi’(写意) painting, as a vital framework for navigating 

these modern struggles.

In this richly illustrated one-hour presentation, Dr. Wu will explore how classical 

Chinese landscape masterpieces serve as metaphors for our intangible inner worlds, 

guiding us toward integration with nature and the teachings of Daoism and 

Buddhism. Attendees will experience a visual feast where the vast spaces beyond 

mountains and lakes reflect the abyss of our inner lives, and diminutive figures of 

fishermen and travellers depict humanity's true place in the natural world.

Chinese classical landscape painting offers a journey of cultivation—an unfolding 

awareness accumulated over a millennium that AI and technological innovation can 

never replicate. To conclude, Dr. Wu will bridge past and present by highlighting 

works from the 'Landscape Reimagined' award finalists, demonstrating how they 

resonate with these classical elements through a diverse use of mediums

How to get here?

3 min from Crows Nest Metro Station

3 min from St Leonards train station

Local Street Parking unregulated on weekends

We can't wait to see you there!

Warmly,

The ACAR Art Prize Team