ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2024 Spring Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    LIAO CHICHUN (1902-1976)

    Japanese Style Architecture

    1960

    Oil on Canvas
    65 x 79 cm

    Signed Chichun Liao in English and dated 1960

    Estimate TWD 5,500,000-8,000,000
    USD 170,900-248,500
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

Provenance:

Illustrated:1. "A Centenary of Art: An Album of Guo Shuangfu’s Collection," National Chung Hsing University Department of History, Taichung, Taiwan, 2016, Page 33 2. "Enlightenment," National Taiwan Normal University Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan, 2021, Page 38

Exhibition:1. "A Centenary of Art - Collection Exhibition of Paintings by Senior Guo Shuangfu," The Art Center of National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, December 16, 2015 - January 5, 2016 2. "Enlightenment," National Taiwan Normal University Art Museum, Taipei, Taiwan, April 30th - June 12th, 2021

Exposition:

Liao Chi-Chun, a native of Fengyuan, Taiwan, embarked on a tumultuous artistic journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Born into a rural farming family, he stumbled upon the medium of oil painting during his youth, setting the stage for his creative endeavors. Eventually, he made the bold decision to pursue further studies in Western painting in Tokyo, marking a significant turning point in his career. Upon returning to Taiwan, he initially pursued a path as an art educator, leaving an indelible mark on institutions such as the National Taiwan University of Arts and National Taiwan Normal University, where he mentored numerous future luminaries of Taiwanese art, including Guo Dong-Rong and Liu Kuo-Sung, all of whom contributed significantly to the flourishing of indigenous Taiwanese art.

During Taiwan's colonial era under Japanese rule, Liao Chi-Chun's artistic style underwent a kaleidoscopic transformation in response to the influence of Western art. Initially, he delicately captured the rural sentiments of Taiwan with his brush, evoking a profound sense of place and time that authentically reflected the spirit of the era. These early works garnered acclaim at Taiwanese art exhibitions and Japan's prestigious Teiten, cementing his reputation as an artist of considerable merit. Subsequently, influenced by the distinct artistic styles prevalent in Japan, Liao incorporated local elements and vibrant hues into his art, portraying bustling street scenes and lively crowds, thereby revealing a more dynamic and spirited aspect of his artistic repertoire.

Following immersive visits to major art museums in the United States, Liao Chi-Chun's artistic vision underwent a profound metamorphosis. Synthesizing his established realism with newfound insights, he forged a unique fusion of realism and abstraction, straddling the realms of late impressionism and Fauvism. While continuously striving for innovation and evolution in his artistic expression, he remained steadfast in preserving his personal and distinctive artistic identity. Despite encountering myriad obstacles along his artistic odyssey, Liao remained committed to nurturing the next generation of artistic talents, imparting his wisdom and guidance with unwavering dedication, thus earning the enduring respect and admiration of many.

Dedicating his entire life to the pursuit of art, Liao Chi-Chun's selfless devotion has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Taiwanese art. Today, his legacy endures through the many students who continue to carry forward his artistic ethos, contributing to the ongoing evolution and enrichment of Taiwanese art.

Presented here is "Japanese Style Architecture," a seminal work by Liao Chi-Chun dating back to 1960. With meticulous brushwork and a vibrant color palette, Liao masterfully captures the essence of Japanese architecture, bringing it to life before the viewer's eyes. Reflecting the architectural trends of Taiwan's colonial era, these structures exhibit a unique blend of Western influences, symbolizing the era's spirit of innovation and progress. The composition of the painting imbues the buildings with a sense of grandeur and elegance, standing tall against the backdrop of a bustling thoroughfare, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into the ambiance of the time.

In addition to capturing the physical attributes of the architecture, Liao Chi-Chun's work delves deeper, conveying the cultural and emotional significance embedded within these structures. His art epitomizes his keen sense of visual aesthetics, precise technical mastery, and profound emotional connection to his homeland and its cultural heritage.

"I employ a palette of bold and vivid colors to imbue my work with heightened chromatic richness, employing contrast and emphasis to evoke a sense of visual delight in the composition. My aim is not merely to capture a fleeting impression but rather to express the desired colors." --- Excerpt from Lin Xingyue's "Liao Chi-Chun Art Collection," "Bridging the Divide: Reflecting on Liao Chi-Chun's Artistic Journey," published by Cathay Art Museum, Taipei, March 1981, pp. 230-231.

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