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The Art of Nanga
Paintings by Peter Cavaciuti
(17th August – 12th December 2004)

The Art of Nanga: paintings by Peter Cavaciuti opens at the Museum of East Asian Art Bath, on 17th August 2004. This display of contemporary Nanga paintings captures the exquisite beauty of the traditional Chinese Nanga style, and the expansion of this technique within Japanese art.

Nanga literally means 'southern painting', and refers to the Southern School in China from which it originated. Founded in the 12th century, Nanga was originally a style only used by highly regarded Chinese scholars. The subject matter chosen by these literati artists included expressively painted floral images and still life subjects.

As the style became increasingly popular, Nanga was re-interpreted and developed in numerous ways. During the 18th and 19th century, the Nanga school flourished in Japan. Unlike the Chinese literati painters, the Japanese practitioners of Nanga were from a variety of different social classes and were more open to new techniques and ways of seeing. Combining aspects of Ming and Qing dynasty painting and their own native tastes, the Japanese style of Nanga became bolder, freer and more playful than that found in China.

Peter Cavaciuti's pictures work within the more playful manner taken by the Japanese. By combining this method with a traditional use of subject matter he translates stylishly the poetic approach so closely associated with the Nanga School.

Peter is one of only a few European artists to have studied and researched Chinese and Japanese painting under the leading masters in the field. He has exhibited in numerous countries including England, Japan and Switzerland.

12 Bennett Street
Bath
BA1 2QJ
t: 01225 464640
f: 01225 461718