When Colours Collide
A group show featuring cross-generational abstract artists, “Beyond Colour: Chinese Contemporary Art”, explores the use of colour, not only in Chinese contemporary art but also throughout the history of Chinese painting.
Following on from “Beyond Black And White” at Pearl Lam Gallery earlier in 2013, “Beyond Colour” highlights the importance of colour as a means of expression.
The artists featured in the exhibition were chosen, according to the exhibition’s project manager, Rebecca Kozlen, for the ways in which they have used colour, while still maintain something of a Chinese aesthetic, whether through materials, medium or approach.
“We wanted to curate an exhibition that challenged people’s perception of colour in painting as well as demonstrate the diverse and unique relationship each of the artists have with colour,” she said.
“Andre Kneib, Juju Sun, Lan Zhenghui, Li Lei and Qiu Deshu are all at the forefront of abstract painting. Works by these artists are collected by some of the world’s top museums and private institutions so this is a rare opportunity to see these works side by side.
” French calligraphy artist, Andre Kneib, has been studying, practising and teaching the ancient art form since 1995, and his major contribution to the form has been the introduction of colour, primarily earthy tones, to demonstrate the emotional tenor of a written character.
Qiu Deshu is a 65-year-old experimental artist from Shanghai best known for his works applying vivid colours to xuan paper (traditional Chinese rice paper), which is then torn up and mounted in layers to create a single image through which cracks, textures and varying colours appear.
A decade Qiu’s junior is Lan Zhenghui, whose monumental ink splash paintings are veritable bursts of expression. Also using traditional xuan paper, Lan’s works utilise vibrant acrylics, giving an old medium new life and prompting a visceral response from viewers.
JuJu Sun, who first moved to New York from Shanghai at the age of 18, and has since shuttled between the two, paints in a style that could be said to combine French Impressionism with the flowing brushwork of ancient Chinese paintings.
Though her subjects are reminiscent of landscapes, Sun describes her paintings as emanating from the very centre of her being. The final product is imbued with the act of painting as a joyful process – “a great love” as the artist herself describes it.
Last, but most certainly not least, is the work of Li Lei, one of the most pivotal figures of the modern abstract art movement in China. Shanghai-born Li takes his roots in Chinese culture and philosophy and goes beyond the strict rules of the art that has traditionally portrayed them.
From the rich, yellow landscapes of northwest China to his depictions of the legends of the ancient Majiayao Civilisation, Li Lei’s works may be abstract, but the evocative emotions they express are as realistic as it gets.
Beyond the artistic merits of the abstract movement, Kozlen hopes visitors to the exhibition will come away with a strong connection to the ways in which colour cannot only guide, but actively express, emotions.
“I hope the exhibition highlights to visitors the different engagements abstract artists have with colour today. But more importantly, we hope visitors leave with a memorable experience,” Kozlen told Talk.
“We are not trying to open people’s eyes to a new style or movement, we are simply showcasing works by some of the most prominent abstract artists today. For some visitors, it has stimulated an interest in the development of colour in Chinese painting, but for others they simply leave feeling lifted by the exuberance of the works.”
“Beyond Colour: Chinese Contemporary Art’” runs until 15 February at Pearl Lam Gallery, 181 Jiangxi Zhong Lu, near Fuzhou Lu. Tel: 6323 1989. Web: www.pearllam.com
