Fascination with East Asian art: discover ink master Pan in Cologne!

Fascination with East Asian art: discover ink master Pan in Cologne!

An exciting double exhibition is currently being presented at the Museum of East Asian Art in Cologne, which focuses on the creative work of two remarkable artists: Jianfeng Pan and Tanaka Ryōhei. Both artists bring unique perspectives on the art traditions and modern expressions of ink painting. The exhibitions can be visited until September 21st (Ryōhei) and November 9th (Pan). The first visitors already appreciated the diversity and depth of the works.

Jianfeng Pan, born in 1973, is a contemporary Chinese ink artist who plays with traditional techniques and modern influences in his art. His works have an impressive range, ranging from monumental hanging scrolls to small album formats. Particularly noteworthy is the work “Unlimited”, which consists of 20 sheets joined together as a folded book and has a total size of 45 x 1360 cm. Pan has been living in “self-exile” in Finland since 2016, having previously been in Shanghai. This migration has noticeably influenced his visual language: it shows an exciting combination of philosophical and aesthetic concepts from China with Scandinavian motifs, which makes his work incredibly complex. The opening of the exhibition took place on April 4, 2025 with a live action writing performance by the artist.

The influence of Tanaka Ryōhei

The second part of the exhibition is dedicated to Tanaka Ryōhei, a master of etching, who died in 2019. His works impress with their economical use of color nuances and concentrate on black, grayscale and white. Ryōhei's etchings, which often depict natural motifs such as trees and thatched roofs, are known for their complex production method, which sometimes includes aquatint techniques. His precise, fine strokes create dense repeats that captivate the viewer. This combination of technical finesse and poetic expression is highly valued by many art lovers.

The double exhibition not only shows the works of both artists, but also opens a dialogue between the different creative approaches and traditions that both Pan and Ryōhei maintain. Particular attention is paid to the materials: Pan has not only presented ink works on paper, but also printmaking, seal art, ceramics and self-designed support systems for his works.

Art as a communication medium

Another notable aspect of Pan's work is his self-description as a “social calligrapher.” This position is reflected in his artistic practice, which views calligraphy as a means of promoting interpersonal communication and spiritual growth. Through his “Mindful Ink” approach, art becomes a dialogue across cultural boundaries. This philosophy fits perfectly into the image of contemporary art, which is characterized by a variety of techniques and styles and addresses politically and culturally relevant topics, among other things art-affair.net is described.

The exhibition at the Museum of East Asian Art is therefore not only a visual journey through the works of Pan and Ryōhei, but also an invitation to reflect on the role of art in today's society. Art lovers have the opportunity to discover these fascinating works until November 2025.