Closed Summer 2024

Beginning May 27, we will be closed as part of Oberlin College’s Sustainable Infrastructure Program.

Learn More

Address
Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College
87 North Main Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
440.775.8665

Hours

Tuesday — Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Sunday Closed

Exhibitions & Events

The Allen presents changing exhibitions along with engaging guest speakers and public programs.

Learn More

Art at the AMAM

The Allen's collection is particularly strong in 17th century Dutch and Flemish painting, Japanese prints, early modern art, African art, and more.

Learn More

Collections

Conservation

Provenance Research

Image Licensing

Art Donations

Learn

Explore the full range of museum programs through free events, guided and self-guided tours, and resources for professors and PreK-12 teachers.

Learn More

Resources

Find podcasts, activities, and information for all age groups.

View All Resources

Join & Support

Support for the museum continues our tradition of bringing art to the people.

Learn More

Riding the Strong Currents: 20th and 21st Century Chinese Paintings from the AMAM Collection

January 24 - June 11, 2023
In Stern Gallery

Riding the Strong Currents: 20th and 21st Century Chinese Paintings from the AMAM Collection

January 24 - June 11, 2023
In Stern Gallery

The past century has been a turbulent one for people in China, as they have confronted the challenges of Western and Japanese imperialism, Civil War, Revolution and its aftermath, and, since the 1980s, have experienced reform, stability, and economic success. Riding the currents on a rushing river seems to be a good metaphor for this period, one taken from an inscription by painter Huáng Bīnhóng (1864–1955). This exhibition brings together works by Huáng and many other Chinese painters who navigated the volatile currents of 20th and early 21st century history and reflected in their art the dynamic character of the times. Made up of works in the Allen’s permanent collection of modern and contemporary Chinese painting, begun in 1957, the exhibition includes familiar favorites and new acquisitions, many shown here publicly for the first time. Riding the Strong Currents presents a wide range of subjects and styles that demonstrate the creativity and diversity of this most recent phase of Chinese painting, a tradition extending back over two millennia.

Chinese Landscape Painting Video

Organized by

Kevin R. E. Greenwood

Joan L. Danforth Curator of Asian Art

With assistance from

Mengchen Xu (OC 2016), Zimeng Xiang (OC 2018), Milin Zhou (OC 2019), Jingyi Yuan (OC 2021), and Kai Li, Oberlin College Senior Instructor in Chinese

Shih-Yen Wu (OC 1954) Family

Driek (OC 1965) and Michael (OC 1964) Zirinsky

Memberships

Support appreciation for original works of art by becoming a museum member.

Join Today