The time-honored tradition of ink on rice paper is reforming and changing with the times, yet even amid change it maintains its identity as the quintessential Chinese Art. The medium -- highly condensed and profound, evolves as it encounters cultural influences from outside. This evolution is celebrated in the exhibition, "Focus on Chinese Ink and Wash," Its comprehensive vision carries the tradition to the world beyond China's borders.Ink and brush, the two essential tools. When applied to the highly absorbent rice paper, it opens a universe of potentiality. The touch of the brush, seeming so innocent and casual, often yields dramatic and unpredictable results, revealing the inner truth of the artist's ideals and individuality.The exhibition "Focus on Chinese Ink and Wash" zooms in on 28 Chinese ink painters. In their works, are revealed their conception of nature, their emotions and individual character. Opened Tuesday afternoon at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, the exhibition presents the elite among artists in this understated genre. The exhibition represents both a condensed ink painting history as well as a statement about the vibrant flux of creative energy breathing new life into China's ancient culture.Painting on fans is an important component. Most of the works were commissioned for the exhibition. Originally a highly personal item, an exquisitely drawn fan was the vade mecum for the learned and for the rich and the powerful in ancient China. The painting on a fan is as private as one's diary. It can be appreciated only when left alone. Then the innermost feelings of the painter are revealed. Yu Ding, curator of "Focus on Chinese Ink and Wash", said, Fans and scrolls have been the popular means of expression since the Song Dynasty. Yet they were rarely seen in exhibitions, which tend to prefer large exhibits to small ones. While large paintings allow for second revisions, small paintings, especially those on fans expose even the slightest flaws. These paintings are the most telling of the artists' emotional and professional status. By including these exhibits under the same roof with large paintings, we hope to present a multi-faceted vision of Chinese ink painting."Chinese ink painting, thousands of years old, is often regarded as the best expression of Chinese traditions. Yet it is absent from most exhibitions beyond national borders in recent years. Contemporary Chinese art is dominated by artists whose cultural references and modes of expression often are entrenched in a Western Style. Their works often are intended as exotica for an imagined foreign audience. But for artist Long Rui, there's no point in Westernizing ink painting. He says confidence is as important as independence. Long Rui, painter, said, "For a long time, our traditional culture was overshadowed by the omnipotent influence from the West. As we gradually walk out of this, there could be myriad ways for our culture to be extended to the world. There's not much point in pandering Western tastes."The exhibition gathers the works of 28 of the most prominent ink painters over three generations in China. It pays homage to a kaleidoscope of perspectives and styles. But it also proclaims at unspoken faith in China's ability to renew the ancient art form in the contemporary world. Its vitality proves its strength to connect with the most powerful cultural achievements of the past."Focus on Chinese Ink and Wash" starts from Shanghai, goes on display in Beijing for six days and ends with a high-profile showing in the Thai palace later this year. Pan Gongkai, president of "Central Academy of Fine Arts", said, "This collection is assembled with a footing in the best of China's cultural past, and a keen eye on new sparks of creativity that invigorate contemporary culture. At our third stop in Thailand, the exhibition will receive state-of-the-art treatment in the Thai Palace. This is only the beginning, and I hope that Chinese ink painting will enjoy more than a frothy wave of enthusiasm in the world."Bringing Chinese ink painting to the world has been a much discussed matter since the last century. The new millennium gives new importance to the question. By gathering the best artists under one roof, the exhibition also expresses the confidence of the artists. It's a confidence that the arts community hopes will transform a few tentative shifts toward change into a strong steady pace, amid a contemporary world.