Untitled

"I felt that there was a lack of vigor in Chinese painting. In order to restore this vitality, it had to be given some new nourishment and blood." -Liu Kuo Sung

Liu began exploring the use of various materials and techniques in his artistic production, from rubbings to ripping, water immersion and other special effects. This experimentation of technique can be seen in the background of Life Forms (Lot 275). With the rhythm and vigor of the pen in foreground, integrate the intention of the pen into the representation of water and ink paintings. The work invites the viewer to mentally roam among the engaging harmonies of its ink tones and unlimited imaginative spaces.

Liu's travel in 1967 to Europe and North America had a powerful influence over the transformations in his artistic practice. Drooping Autumn (Lot 277) showcases his development through a continued reinterpretation of the Chinese spirit.

Spring Mountain (Lot 109) inherits spiritual and physical elements from traditional landscape painting, but articulates these elements through new modes of innovation. The soft-hued sky in the upper plane resonates with the deep blue water flowing in the lower plane, the flow of water suggests that the winter snow has melted and spring is just around the corner.

Untitled (Lot 112) employs a variety of techniques to provide the viewer with a richly textured and layered sensory experience. A collage technique is used in the middle right, further enhancing the painting's textures. Liu also employs his bo pi chou jin techniques, once the paper threads have been pulled out, the sharp contrasts between the ink and the stark white of the paper creating strong visual impact.

In Broken Landscape (Lot 274), Liu expands the idea of 'the void' in breadth and depth. At times, the white areas are used purely for abstract expression while at other times they are for realistic and sensory representation, imbuing the objective depiction of the landscape with the emotions of the artist.




Liu Kuo Sung, Painting is a Very Difficult Journey - Autobiographical Refelctions, Art World magazine, Vol. 13,p.23, 1969.