Jian Chongzhi
China, 1949-2023
Artist's works
Artist Profile
Yearning for Shangri-La
Splendid Jiuzhaigou
Introduction and Experience
Jian Chongzhi (1949–2023) was a master Chinese landscape painter whose work across oil, watercolor, and gouache remains a cornerstone of the Bashu School. A graduate of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, he spent a formative decade on the Aba Plateau, immersed in its snow-capped peaks and vast forests. There, he became one of the first artists to successfully translate the ethereal landscapes of Jiuzhaigou onto canvas.
Known for his rich color palettes and versatile techniques, Jian’s practice fuses realism with a lyrical sensibility. His works move beyond simple studies of light and form, becoming intersections between nature and the human spirit. Active from the mid-1970s, he played a significant role in the Chinese art scene, with works held in the National Art Museum of China and major private collections worldwide.
In his later years, he established the Jian Chongzhi Watercolor Studio, dedicating himself to mentorship and the advancement of watercolor painting in Sichuan. His legacy stands as both a tribute to the natural world and a sustained meditation on life, resilience, and the meaning of home.
Exhibitions and Awards
Selected Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions
2024
Years of Passion: The Artistic Life of Jian Chongzhi —Du Fu Cao Tang Museum, Chengdu, China
Notes
- Solo exhibitions held in Chengdu, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Jinan, and Chongqing, China.
Group Exhibitions
2020
Nostalgia : Oriental Art Group Exhibition—Get Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan
2018
Watercolour on Site : 1st Sichuan-Chongqing Watercolour Art Exhibition—Sichuan Art Museum, Sichuan, China
Deyang Gaohuai Village Watercolour Exhibition —Gaohuai Village, Deyang, Sichuan, China
2016
Seeking the Source : Aba Watercolour Sketch Exhibition—Chengdu Xiangdi Hongguan, Chengdu, China
2011
National Art Exhibition Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Founding of the CPC —National Art Museum of China (NAMOC), Beijing, China
Sichuan is Still Beautiful Art Exhibition —Beijing, China
Integration and Creation : Academic Invitational Exhibition of Famous Chinese Oil Painters—Beijing Oil Painting Academy Art Museum, Beijing, China
2009
Glorious Years : Cross-Strait Artists Exhibition—Xiamen, China
2008
Thanksgiving to the Motherland Ink Wash Painting Exhibition —China
2007
Western Charm : Hu Renqiao & Jian Chongzhi Joint Exhibition of Oil and Watercolour—Xiamen, China
1991
Chinese Ten Realistic Oil Painters Exhibition —Eagle Gallery, Hong Kong
Notes
- Frequently participated in Sichuan Oil Painting Exhibitions, Sichuan Provincial Art Exhibitions, National Art Exhibitions, Chinese Watercolour and Pastel Exhibitions, and Modern Chinese Painting Exhibitions over the past 30 years.
Art Fairs
2012 – 2014
Art Revolution Taipei (A.R.T.)—Taipei, Taiwan
Awards
2009
Mountain Soul —Excellent Work Award, National Art Exhibition Commemorating the 1st Anniversary of the 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake, Sichuan, China
1986
Sunny Clouds —Silver Medal, 1st National Metallurgical Workers Art and Photography Exhibition, China
Autumn Elegy —Silver Medal, Sichuan Watercolour Painting Exhibition, Sichuan, China
Snow Field —Excellent Work Award, Geshan Grand Prize, Taiwan
Excellent Work Award (9 works)—Sichuan Provincial Art Exhibition, Sichuan, China
1985
Dawn Bugle —Third Prize, National Workers' Art Exhibition, China
1984
Dawn Bugle —Bronze Medal, 6th National Art Exhibition, China
1981
Noble —Third Prize, 2nd National Youth Art Exhibition, China
1979
Melody of the Night —Excellent Work Award, Art Exhibition Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the Founding of the PRC, China
Collections
Museums & Institutional Collections
- National Art Museum of China (NAMOC) (11 works)—Beijing, China
- China Arts and Entertainment Group (CAEG)—Guangdong, China
- Ministry of Metallurgy of China—Beijing, China
- Yamanashi Prefectural Government—Yamanashi, Japan
Private Collections
- Works are held in private collections in Taiwan and China.