Whiling Away the Summer Heat, Wang Xuehao

Exhibition Label:
"Time/Frame," Jun-2008, Robert Fucci, Shuyun Ho, Lauren Kernes, Lara Kuykendall, Ellen C. Raimond, and Stephanie Teasley
Time can evoke various emotions and human activities. In this painting, the artist presents an image of a pleasant walk in the pine grove. The monochrome ink does not stop viewers from sensing the moist greenery and the sound of the cascading water. This depiction was likely derived from a real event, since Wang was known as a frequent traveler who sought inspiration from nature. His personal experience of the season is transformed onto the paper, and continues to evoke people’s longing for a refreshing summer day.

Inscription

松”爸�耸钭‘拂
The shadow of pines clinging to me brushes the summer heat away.

雲氣流山”晡闯…
The mist flowing in the mountain has not yet become rain.

攜節伴侶清似錫
Taking a staff and accompanying my friends,
the feeling is as pure as a wondering monk.

新詩“罷聽魅聲™
After reciting a new poem, I listen to the sound of the spring.

Archive Label date unknown (before 1991):
Inscription: "Shaded by pines, the figures while away the summer heat./Clouds move through the mountains, but rain has not yet come./Chanting new poems, I listen to the sounds of the waterfall."
Born in Kiangsu, Wang learned to paint landscapes in the manner of Wang Yuan-chi (1642-1715). In his middle years he turned directly to nature for inspiration and his landscapes are believed to capture some of the spirit of Yuan literati. Following the words of the couplet, Wang has depicted two scholars pausing to talk upon a bridge shaded by pine trees. Swirling clouds fill the valley, evoking the feeling of coolness sought after in the poem.