Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c11.s4.t3.46

v2.c11.s4.t3.46

international aesthetics, in a bid to reinvent Chinese art. In fact, Xu’s influence extends beyond China in the early 20th century. Many pioneer Singapore artists such as Chen Wenxi, Lee Manfong and Chen Chong Swee looked up to him as a mentor and worthy peer, sharing Xu’s ideas to closely observe nature and inject realism into painting. His rigorous and stylish illustrations of horses were highly acclaimed by Chinese critics and connoisseurs, and this helped him gain an international reputation.