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Lot Essay
Renowned as one of the greatest artists from Singapore, Chen Wen Hsi was trained originally in Shanghai in the traditional Chinese ink and brush techniques. Chen's strong and immense foundation in the rules and techniques of traditional Chinese ink paintings gave him the ability to see beyond those rules; and challenge the constraints of strict formalism. By integrating his knowledge of lines, space, and the technicalities of achieving varying degrees of ink wash by varying the pressure of one's brush, Chen was able to construct images that also utilized the compositional qualities of Western modern painting. His years in Singapore allowed him to widen his repertoire, experimenting with different mediums, new art forms and techniques. Ultimately though his favourite medium was always in freshly ground black ink and the brush, which he inevitably always returned to.
The present lot Abstract Landscape celebrates Chen's acute sensitivity to colour and his unique ability to coax through a mastery of his brush and the essence of his subjects. Abstract Landscape is a visually complex and expressive ink work, which is possibly linked with a strong Western abstract influence. It calls to mind Jackson Pollock's 'action painting' style, that while the work at first glance looks seemingly chaotic, but in actuality is done with great precision, finesse and technique.
Chen Wen Hsi has always upheld a strong structural tradition in his ink paper works, and this is foremost seen in the overall composition and pictorial structure. The painting still upholds traditional Chinese ink styles, with the expansiveness of the landscape swept amongst the bold and firm brushstrokes, giving forth a sense of dynamism in the work. The usage of bold colours such as the bold green dots splattered liberally with great detail across the plane, amidst the broad gestural calligraphic xieyi strokes combines in an intricate weaving of elements to form a superbly balanced composition.
The present lot Abstract Landscape celebrates Chen's acute sensitivity to colour and his unique ability to coax through a mastery of his brush and the essence of his subjects. Abstract Landscape is a visually complex and expressive ink work, which is possibly linked with a strong Western abstract influence. It calls to mind Jackson Pollock's 'action painting' style, that while the work at first glance looks seemingly chaotic, but in actuality is done with great precision, finesse and technique.
Chen Wen Hsi has always upheld a strong structural tradition in his ink paper works, and this is foremost seen in the overall composition and pictorial structure. The painting still upholds traditional Chinese ink styles, with the expansiveness of the landscape swept amongst the bold and firm brushstrokes, giving forth a sense of dynamism in the work. The usage of bold colours such as the bold green dots splattered liberally with great detail across the plane, amidst the broad gestural calligraphic xieyi strokes combines in an intricate weaving of elements to form a superbly balanced composition.