What is the thread that links the celebrated Belgian abstract painter Antoine Mortier to China? The Ink Made Real exhibition at Tsinghua University Art Museum in Beijing presents a collection of the artist's paintings, which put a modern spin on the use of Chinese ink.

The exhibits come from private collectors and various foundation and were selected for this show in hopes to resonate Chinese ancient artistic memory. Mortier's works are rooted in practice resembling Chinese calligraphy, characterized by speed, power, spontaneity and determination.

The formulation of abstraction as Mortier saw it is to transcribe the sensations provoked by reality, not so much to reproduce reality. Dehumanized and disembodied, objects and body are used as silt and basis for compositions. He did not fear drifting away from reality, simply letting the ink trace lead him to the unexpected. His expression in abstract art echoes with the essence of ancient Chinese painting.

Mortier's artistic career began in the eventful years of modernism between the two World Wars. His fascination for paper and ink distinguished him from his compatriots and sparked the creation of his monumental works. But this choice of medium imposed discipline and patience as well as great technical mastery.

His studio is where the magic happens. Mortier didn't hesitate to sacrifice a good amount of time in solitude in order to trace the masses and volumes he had imagined.  Often times, he locked himself away in the confined space until he achieves satisfaction with his works.

"Ink Made Real" is Mortier's first solo exhibition in China. It is for each person to point out similarities and differences that distinguish two separate culture. But above anything else, Mortier's works confirm how art is a magic portal to understand one another and to unite the destined compatibility between our diverse worlds.

(Cover image: "The Reclining Figure" is one of Mortier's large-scale ink painting. It is both figurative and abstract. The strokes are travelling across the extensive white space in a clear, conspicuous and loud manner. /CGTN Photo)