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Ink Roamings

Contemporary Works on Paper by Jianfeng Pan, 2014–2024

April 5, 2025 to November 9, 2025

The special exhibition presents works on paper of the past decade by contemporary Chinese ink artist Jianfeng Pan (*1973), ranging from monumental hanging scrolls to small album formats and serially produced works.

The multiversal work of the artist, formerly based in Shanghai and since 2016 living in Finland in “self-exile,” is deeply rooted in the Chinese historical arts of writing and painting, and likewise shaped by his eclectic visions as graphic designer. Pan’s migration from East Asia to Northern Europe is reflected in an extroverted, yet likewise subtle and unhomely visual language: at times graffiti-esque, penetrating, explosive; at times subdued, tender, contemplative. The images combine Chinese philosophical and aesthetic concepts with motifs inspired by the Scandinavian natural landscape, living environment, and everyday culture. With his self-designation as “Social Calligrapher,” Pan pursues his creative practice of “Mindful Ink”: calligraphy as a global medium and endeavor that promotes human communication and spiritual growth across societies and cultures.

The exhibition directs the visitors’ gaze not only towards Pan’s images but also their material support structures. Remarkably, these were all specially hand- and custom-made by Pan himself for the exhibition: among these, classically mounted hanging scrolls, experimental “floating” scrolls, wood-framed leaves; sheets mounted as free-standing folding screens, or assembled in handscroll formats. Alongside works on paper, the exhibition integrates further media that distinguish Pan’s diverse oeuvre: printmaking, seal art, ceramics, graphic design. 

The exhibition opens with a Live Action Writing Performance by the artist on April 4, 2025 at 6 pm.

The exhibition is curated by Shao-Lan Hertel. An accompanying publication in German and English language is available in the museum shop.

The exhibition is realized with generous support from the Peter and Irene Ludwig Foundation.

EXHIBITION FLYER – HERE

SUPPORTED BY

Orientstiftung zur Förderung der Ostasiatischen Kunst

Fördererkreis des Museums für Ostasiatische Kunst Köln

Image: 

Jianfeng Pan (*1973), Unlimited, Chinese ink, Chinese mineralcolors, xuan-paper, cardboard, 20 assembled sheets mounted as a fanfold-book, Total dimensions 45 x 1360 cm, 2018–2020

© Jianfeng Pan, 2024

Opening times

Tuesday to Sunday
11am – 5pm
Every first Thursday in the month
11am – 10pm (except Mai 1)

Closed Mondays; open on All Saints' Day
Museum is closed on December 24th, Christmas Day (25 Dec), New Year's Eve (31 Dec) and New Year's Day (1 Jan). Museum is opend on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, German Unity Day and December 26.

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Admission prices

€ 9.50 / € 5.50

KölnTag on the first Thursday of the month (except public holidays): free admission to the Museum for all Cologne residents.

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How to get here

Public transport: Tram routes 1 and 7 and bus route 142, alight at ‘Universitätsstrasse’
There is a car park at the museum
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Barrier-free

The museum is barrier-free. Disabled toilet available.
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Museum für
Ostasiatische Kunst Köln
Universitätsstrasse 100
D 50674 Köln
Ticket office +49.221.221-28617
mok@museenkoeln.de
Legal notice

Opening times

Tuesday to Sunday
11am – 5pm
Every first Thursday in the month
11am – 10pm 

Closed Mondays; open on All Saints' Day
Museum is closed on December 24th, Christmas Day (25 Dec), New Year's Eve (31 Dec) and New Year's Day (1 Jan). Museum is opend on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, German Unity Day and December 26.
more

Admission prices

€ 7,50 /reduced € 4,50

from 20 June
€ 9,50 /reduced € 5,50

KölnTag on the first Thursday of the month (except public holidays): free admission to the Museum for all Cologne residents.
more

How to get here

Public transport: Tram routes 1 and 7 and bus route 142, alight at ‘Universitätsstrasse’
There is a car park at the museum
more

Barrier-free

The museum is barrier-free. Disabled toilet available.
more

___1061___




Museum für
Ostasiatische Kunst Köln
Universitätsstrasse 100
D 50674 Köln
Ticket office +49.221.221-28617
mok@museenkoeln.de
Legal notice