Fairweather and China

Ian Fairweather is a significant Australian artist who settled on Bribie Island,off the coast of Queensland. He lived and worked in China for extended periods, learning Chinese and publishing a book-length translation of the popular Chinese novel The Drunken Buddha. Claire Roberts' book explores Fairweather's artistic practice, shedding new light on his connection with Chinese art and thought. It shows how central the China experience is to his emergence as a key transcultural figure, connecting British, European, Chinese, and Australian art histories in new and visionary ways.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2021
Publisher: Melbourne University Press

Ian Fairweather, a prominent artist of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on Australian art. Born into a life of wanderlust, he journeyed through China, Bali, and the Philippines, eventually finding solace on Bribie Island, off the coast of Queensland. In 1962, a renowned art critic hailed him as the greatest painter of our time. What sets Fairweather apart from his contemporaries is his profound understanding and experience of Chinese life and culture. He dedicated extended periods to living and working in China, acquiring proficiency in the language and publishing a book-length translation of the celebrated Chinese novel, "The Drunken Buddha" (1965). From a young age, Fairweather sought alternatives to traditional art forms, which led him to delve deep into the principles of Chinese art and thought. This lifelong engagement shaped his creative process, resulting in a unique and visionary artistic style.

In her captivating book, Fairweather and China: The Art of Transcultural Exchange, Claire Roberts delves into the life and work of this revered artist. Through a meticulous examination of letters, interviews, and archival materials, Roberts sheds new light on Fairweather's artistic practice. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the Chinese language and art, she provides a fresh perspective on the artist's journey. The book explores how Fairweather's China experience played a pivotal role in his emergence as a key transcultural figure, connecting British, European, Chinese, and Australian art histories in innovative and visionary ways.

Fairweather's artistic oeuvre reflects the influence of his Chinese heritage, blending elements of traditional Chinese painting with his own unique vision. His works often depict the beauty of nature and the human form, infused with a sense of spirituality and introspection. His paintings, sculptures, and installations have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted following.

In conclusion, Ian Fairweather is a remarkable artist who has made an indelible impact on Australian art. His profound understanding of Chinese life and culture, combined with his innovative artistic approach, has positioned him as a transcultural figure of the 20th century. Through Claire Roberts's insightful book, Fairweather and China: The Art of Transcultural Exchange, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's legacy and his contribution to the world of art.

Weight: 969g
Dimension: 249 x 192 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780522877168