Core Concept - The Nabi movement emerged in late 19th century Paris as a response to the limitations of Impressionism, aiming to redefine the essence and meaning of painting through new perspectives and expressions [1][5] Group 1: Artistic Ideology - The Nabi artists were influenced by Symbolism, Japanese ukiyo-e, and medieval religious art, believing that art should be a subjective recreation of nature rather than mere replication [2] - Maurice Denis articulated the Nabi manifesto, emphasizing the independence and importance of color, line, and composition, liberating painting from the faithful depiction of reality [2] - Symbolism served as a core element of Nabi ideology, using colors and shapes to convey deep emotions and thoughts, with specific colors representing various feelings [2] Group 2: Artistic Techniques - The Nabi artists adopted a flat representation style from Japanese ukiyo-e and medieval wall paintings, rejecting traditional Western perspectives to create decorative and rhythmic visual effects [2] - Their approach allowed for a more expressive representation of the artist's subjective intentions, enhancing the aesthetic quality of their works [2] Group 3: Notable Artists and Their Works - Pierre Bonnard was known for his warm and poetic depictions of domestic life, using subtle color variations to create intimate atmospheres in works like "Nude in the Sunlight" [3] - Édouard Vuillard captured the beauty of everyday moments, blending figures with their environments in a harmonious manner, exemplified in "Mother and Sister" [3] - Maurice Denis, as a theorist, combined religious symbolism with abstract forms, showcasing his respect for Cézanne in "Homage to Cézanne" while pursuing formal purity [3] Group 4: Influence on Future Art Movements - The Nabi movement is recognized as a bridge between Impressionism and Modernism, influencing later movements such as Fauvism and Cubism through its exploration of color and form [4] - Their integration of painting with decorative design impacted the Art Nouveau movement, providing aesthetic references for modern decorative arts [4] - The focus on private spaces and inner experiences established a modern paradigm for "interior painting," laying the groundwork for the development of "everyday aesthetics" in the 20th century [4] Group 5: Lasting Legacy - Despite its brief existence, the Nabi movement's values and practices continue to resonate in the art world, reflecting a persistent quest for the essence of art and a profound understanding of the human spirit [5]

Core Viewpoint - Zeng Fanzhi has become a symbol of contemporary Chinese art, breaking the billion yuan mark in art sales, with his work "The Last Supper" fetching 1.81 billion HKD, setting a record for contemporary Asian art [2][8]. Group 1: Artistic Journey - Zeng Fanzhi's career began in 1990 with a controversial exhibition that showcased his bold use of red paint, which was deemed excessive [2]. - His artistic evolution includes several phases, starting from the influence of German Expressionism in the early 1990s, moving to the iconic "Mask" series, and later developing a unique "chaotic brush" style [5][7]. - The "Mask" series, characterized by figures wearing pale masks, reflects urban alienation and has become a signature of his work [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - Zeng Fanzhi's artworks are considered "hard currency" in the art market, with total sales exceeding 35.8 billion CNY, consistently placing him at the top of contemporary Chinese artists [9]. - His auction records include "The Last Supper" at 1.81 billion HKD and "The Concord Hospital Series No. 3" at 48.45 million HKD, showcasing his market dominance [8][9]. - The rise of Zeng's market value is linked to the emergence of a new wealthy class in China, which views his works as cultural investments and status symbols [10]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - Zeng Fanzhi's contributions have established a global discourse on contemporary Chinese art, with his "Mask" symbol interpreted as a reflection of identity anxiety in a globalized context [10]. - His chaotic brush style challenges the aesthetic barriers between Eastern and Western art, representing a significant cultural dialogue [10]. - Despite ongoing controversies regarding his artistic direction, Zeng's journey from a struggling artist to a prominent figure in international art reflects the transformation of contemporary Chinese art from imitation to establishing its own identity [10].