Swiss artist paints lovely landscapes

BEAUTIFUL landscapes have inspired artists around the world for centuries. Swiss painter Alexandre Perrier (1862-1936) dedicated his whole career to depicting the mountains and lakes of his homeland. He was a stickler for getting the light and atmosphere just right. Shanghai Museum is holding a solo exhibition with more than 106 pieces created by Perrier. The works are on loan from the Museum of Art and History in Geneva. The exhibition divides the artist's works into the different stages of his life, as well as his search for a style all his own. Born in Geneva, Perrier moved to Paris in the late 19th century and started his career as an artist. During his stay in Paris, the artist became familiar with several artistic movements including impressionism, neo-impressionism, symbolism and art nouveau. In one painting, a compact group of mountains have a beautiful golden hue with a burst of light on the summit. In another, a glacier stands out dark against a light blue greenish pink sky. The sky is clear and luminous while the moon glows with a milky lemon color. It is evident that he was influenced by impressionism, and his early works suggest he once adopted pointillism. After returning to Switzerland, he developed his own style in the process of interpreting the gorgeous mountain scenery. Works from his mature period show a breakaway from the former rules of shape and color: the oils he used were diluted, making it similar to Chinese ink-wash paintings. The lines he used in his drafts are also similar to Chinese freehand brushwork. Perrier once said: "If a person leaving my exhibition carries away with them this vision of light and atmosphere, which gives me such happiness when I am in the heart of nature, then I can enjoy life to the full and leave it in all serenity." Date: Through November 27, 9am-5pm Venue: Shanghai Museum Address: 201 People's Ave