and his Universe. Chu is best known for his colourful abstract oil paintings. Twelve such works dating from 1962–2003 will be featured in this exhibition. Five works of acrylic on paper dating from 1985–1997 will also be on view, as well as eleven paintings executed in Chinese ink on paper dating from 1985–1999. Chu's paintings suggest dream-like mysterious, eternal, and primordial landscapes. His composition, light play, mastery of the brush and references to the art of calligraphy are unique.
and his Universe
As part of Le French May, The University Museum and Art Gallery of the
University of Hong Kong and The Consulate General of France are pleased to
present the works of the renowned Chinese artist Chu Teh-Chun.
Chu Teh-Chun was born in Jiangsu province in 1920, and attended the National
College of Art in Hangzhou (today The China National Academy of Art) from
1935 to 1940. The school was the best in China and at the time was under the
direction of the modernist artist, Lin Fengmian. It fostered many of China'
s most famous artists, such as Zao Wou-ki, Chao Chung-hsiang, and Wu
Guanzhong. Chu was initially interested in calligraphy and intended to
study traditional Chinese ink painting but as the school did not offer
these, studied watercolour and oil painting instead. As historical events
in China unfolded in 1949, Chu left China for Taiwan where he remained for
several years before departing for Paris via Vietnam and Egypt in 1955.
When Chu first arrived in Paris his paintings were still figurative in
style, showing the influence of the early twentieth century School of Paris.
But a visit in 1956 to a major show of Nicholas de Stael marked a turning
point in his art. Chu became an exponent of Lyrical Abstraction. Two years
later, he had his first one-man exhibition in Europe.
Since then his work has appeared in over 80 exhibitions throughout the
world. In recognition of his contribution to painting, Chu Teh-Chun was
inducted into the prestigious L'Institute de France, as a member of the
Academie des Beaux-Arts in February 1999, awarded only to the most prominent
living musicians, artists, architects, and sculptors in France.
Chu is best known for his colourful abstract oil paintings. Twelve such
works dating from 1962–2003 will be featured in this exhibition. Five
works of acrylic on paper dating from 1985–1997 will also be on view, as
well as eleven paintings executed in Chinese ink on paper dating from 1985
–1999. Chu's paintings suggest dream-like mysterious, eternal, and
primordial landscapes. His composition, light play, mastery of the brush
and references to the art of calligraphy are unique. A fully illustrated
catalogue will be published in conjunction with the exhibition and will be
available for sale.
For additional information or photographs, please contact Jane Sze on 2241
5512 or visit the Museum's website.
Image:
Chu Teh-Chun
Stability
1993
Oil on canvas
200 x 200 cm
(Photo courtesy of the artist)
University Museum and Art Gallery
The University of Hong Kong - 94 Bonham Road, Pokfulam
Hong Kong