Oil on paper mounted on canvas

56 x 76 cm. 22 x 29 7/8 in.

Signed in Chinese and English, dated on bottom right
PROVENANCE
22 Nov 2010, Chengxuan Beijing Autumn Auction, Lot 737
Important Private Collection, Asia

A Soul-stirring Symphony
Here Comes Spring by Chu Teh-Chun

After experimenting with calligraphy strokes in the 1960s, Chu Teh-Chun drew inspiration from Rambrant and embraced lighting in the 1970s to activate the underlying patterns and rhythm of his abstract paintings. Chu reached his career peak in the 1980s when he mastered the interplay of light and shadow, the trick of composition, and the potential of different media. His paintings shake off the figurative style of traditional landscape and incorporate the artist's own interpretation of the world.

Such ingenious rendering is closely related to Chu's life experience and ceaseless pursuit of artistic excellence. In 1983, he went back to China after nearly 30 years of sojourning life and travelled across a host of cities in the country, including Beijing, Datong, Huangshan, Xishan, Hangzhou and Nanjing. He set up his studio on the top floor of a high-rise in the Bagnolet neighborhood that offers an unparalleled view in the suburbs. Chu made an important breakthrough to explore snow scene after the trip to the Alps in 1985.Here Comes Spring, created in the same year, crystalizes his afterthoughts on all the nature travel trips and is also a fitting example to demonstrate his career achievements in the 1980s.

The Symphony of Light and Shadow

Here Comes Spring is a mélange of the three iconic elements in Chu's oil paintings, that is calligraphy strokes, colour mix and play of light. It also features splashes of snow, which epitomize his exploration in the 1980s. The composition takes after the “level distance” landscape paintings in traditional arts. Chu outlined the undulating hills in the distance in simple strokes that resemble the “flying white” calligraphy technique. The white embellishment on the mountain top at the very right reminds the viewer of sprightly musical notes.

In contrast, the moss green on earth breaks out the gloomy dark and signals the arrival of spring. The ocher and bright yellow paint nurtures the wonder of nature, and the ink morphs into graceful curves. All the colors converge towards the light band at the center, leaving a curiosity-provoking portion of blank space. White connects with winter and light. The blank-leaving technique enlivens color contrast and creates a lively rhythm between the mountain some distance away and the closer scenery. This is in line with the interactive dynamics of blank and full in Chinese art philosophy. The fantastic interplay of ink and paint and the contrast of emptiness and fullness work the miracle of spring arrival. The depth of field, together with the light and color magic, breaks through the hazy chaos and nurtures a momentum towards the bright light. Chu incorporated the insights he derived from his 30-year artistic exploration in France. Such a vibrant picture teeming with the artist's personal feelings can easily resonate with the viewer, who can appreciate the artistic beauty while having a mental dance along with the spring symphony.

Price estimate:
HKD: 900,000 – 1,200,000
USD: 116,100 – 154,800

Auction Result:
HKD: 2,242,000