ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
    • Download

    130

    LIU KUOSUNG (b.1932)

    The Rising Earth

    2005

    Mixed Media on Paper
    129.5 x 65 cm

    Signed Liu Kuosung and dated July 2005 in Chinese With one seal of the artist

    Estimate TWD 3,800,000-4,500,000
    USD 119,300-141,300
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

With a certificate of authenticity from gallery

Provenance:

Illustrated:"The Universe in the Mind: A Retrospective of Liu Kuo-Sung," Taoyuan County Government Cultural Bureau, Taoyuan, Taiwan, 2007, Page 29

Exhibition:

Exposition:

 "Casting his gaze both to the Western world and his ancestral heritage, Liu Kuo-Sung embarked on a creative journey marked by boundless ingenuity. Armed with a myriad of techniques—points, lines, solid blocks, and fluid brushwork—he sought to unravel the inner impediments of his soul, ultimately birthing a distinctive tapestry that seamlessly wove together the traditional and the modern," as eloquently articulated by artist Wu Guanzhong.

Studying Chinese painting under Pu Hsin-Yu and Huang Junbi and Western painting under Liao Chi-Chun and Chu Teh-Chun, Liu Kuo-Sung soon established himself as the "Pioneer of Modern Ink Painting," occupies an exalted echelon within both Western and Chinese art realms. His creative oeuvre, characterized by an innovative perspective and a signature artistic style, harmoniously blends the poetic nuances of traditional ink painting with modern science. The result is a breathtaking collection of space-themed ink paintings. His 2005 masterpiece Rising Earth, serving as a poignant testament to his ceaseless exploration of the cosmos and his profound musings on life, time, and eternity.

The Space Painting series stands as a testament to Liu Kuo-Sung's remarkable innovation. Its origin can be traced back to the iconic 1968 photograph of Earth captured by the American Apollo 8 spacecraft—a stark departure from the traditional Chinese concept of a "round sky and square earth" kindled Liu Kuo-Sung's fascination with the cosmos. In the creation of his space-themed paintings, he harnessed his unique technique, employing paper sinews and ink rubbing to craft intricate textures and layers that imbue his works with a vibrant and multicolored tapestry. The Space Painting series, which began with "Where Is Earth?" in 1969, continues to evolve as Liu Kuo-Sung ceaselessly explores new frontiers, harnessing his boundless creativity and unique vision.

In Rising Earth, Liu Kuo-Sung transcends the boundaries of mere artistic expression, offering a profound meditation on the universe and the essence of existence. The Earth's ascent serves as a powerful metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the eternal dance of the cosmos. Liu Kuo-Sung's portrayal of this flowing vitality, entwined with the ceaseless celestial movements, underscores his deep-seated yearning for the boundless universe, an unquenchable thirst for an understanding of time and eternity. Within his artwork, the finite confines of the canvas give rise to boundless emotions, delicately hinting at a poignant undercurrent of nostalgia, inviting viewers into an infinite realm of imagination.

Beneath the primary composition of Rising Earth, a vibrant palette and fluid brushwork come together to vividly depict the Earth's emergence from the abyss of darkness. Liu's precise technique carves highlighted surfaces, conjuring a celestial pearl that illuminates the expanse below. This radiant tableau exudes an aura of serenity within the visual weight of the artwork, while celestial elements are subtly interwoven throughout the composition. This vivid and awe-inspiring portrayal beckons viewers to contemplate the grandeur of the universe. Throughout his illustrious career, Liu's mastery of ink's depth and the interplay of color imbue his artworks with layers and vitality. This meticulous use of color not only enhances the visual allure of his works but also infuses them with profound resonance and emotional depth.

In summary, Liu Kuo-Sung, through his lyrical and fantastical approach, lays bare the celestial beauty of the cosmos and the enigmatic essence of life upon the canvas. He plumbs the depths of the human soul, symbolizing humanity's indomitable spirit and courage in its quest for celestial exploration. His art embodies humanity's boundless pursuit of the universe's mysteries while echoing the Eastern philosophy of unity between heaven and humanity, where the individual becomes a minuscule yet integral part of the vast cosmic tapestry. Liu Kuo-Sung's artistic creations serve as a transcendent odyssey, guiding viewers to immerse themselves in the infinite allure of the cosmos and the timeless flow of life. Rising Earth transcends being a mere masterpiece; it represents a profound chapter in Liu Kuo-Sung's artistic journey.

View More Works