Between emptiness and reality: from the white space in Chinese painting to the philosophy of form in western art

Abstract: In the field of art, the contrast between reality and virtuality is a common technique of expression. In order to comprehensively explain the essence of beauty and enrich the aesthetic concept of art, this article compares and analyzes the concepts of “emptiness” and “reality” in Chinese and Western art from the perspectives of the blank space in Chinese painting and the formal philosophy of Western art. It explores the different understandings and approaches to space, blank space and form under two different art systems. Chinese art emphasizes the importance of emptiness and artistic conception, reflecting the emphasis on wholeness and intrinsic meaning. Western art, on the other hand, expresses concern for the relationship between individuals and the external world through the pursuit of rationality and realism. This comparison reveals the profound influence of different aesthetic traditions on social thought and aesthetic views. By reflecting on and understanding the aesthetics of reality and virtuality in different cultural backgrounds, it helps to enrich individual aesthetic experiences and promote social development.