Liao Chi-Chun (Liao Jichun)

signed in pinyin and Chinese and dated 1965.12

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner
Important Private Asian Collection

Taipei, National Museum of History, Liao Chi-Chun, May 9 -18, 1976

Liao Chi-Chun, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1976, p. 45, illustrated in colour
Taiwan Fine Arts Series 4 - Liao Chi Chun, Artist Publishing Co., Taipei, 1992, p. 106, plate 63, illustrated in colour
Dazzling Through A History - Chen Cheng Po & Liao Chi Chun: Art Treasures Collection, Liang Gallery, Taipei, 2010, p. 210, illustrated in colour

This work is overall in good condition. There is a sign of restoration under UV light at 6.5 cm from left to right, 44 cm from bottom to top, and another sign at 23 cm from right to left, 44 cm from bottom to top.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Important Private Asian Collection
Scenery in Yehliu by Liao Chi-Chun

For many years, Yehliu has held a reputation for being Taiwan's famous coastal attraction. Located on the northern coast of Taiwan, it is famous for its weathered landforms and thriving aquaculture. Liao Chi-Chun, having taught at the school in Taipei for over 10 years, began making his name known in the art world, invoking a signature style of depicting natural emotion within his pieces. Fascinated by the undulating currents and rock formations of the landscape, the artist notably returned to Yehliu for a vast period of his life, painting the scenery 7 times. Completed in 1965, Scenery in Yehliu exemplifies the artist's signature style, and collectively illustrates the empowering nature of the Taiwanese coast. 

At the time of its creation, Liao had been residing in Taiwan for more than two years, having returned from the United States. Liao opted to use a grand canvas measuring 111 x 145 cm in size. This monumental scale allowed him to show his determination in the challenge of bigger paintings and his ambitious nature in tackling a larger piece. Confidence is ever-present within the canvas, as he depicts a spectacular coastal setting with poise and dexterity. There is a clear distinction between foreground, mid-ground and background, and the artist successfully integrates the three in an aesthetic manifestation of beauty. In the foreground, the artist employs a grey-white tone as the dominant hue for the rocky landscape. A layering of textures highlights and enhances not only the solidity of the land, but also the rich vitality of the scene as a whole. Tiny significant motifs like the green foliage, flowers punctuated with strokes of red and vermilion and the shadowing of yellow green trees lend the scene a more naturalistic and thriving aspect, as the artist enhances crucial features of life and nature. Within the vast majority of the remaining mid-ground and background, Liao boldly layers contrasting hues of blue and purple that interweave into each other, creating a romantic sensibility to the landscape as a whole, reflecting the artist's association with romantic poetry.

Within the naturalistic setting, Liao uses white and yellow strokes to form imprints of the sun and heat, glistening along the water and rocks to portray a clear feeling of warmth. The rocks form candle-shaped protrusions towards the foreground of the piece, which deepen the extension of visual space, and present a stark contrast to the horizontality presented in the horizon line and reefs in the sea. These jagged undulations that break up the rhythm of the composition are similar to the likes of musical notes, moving up and down to bring about a relaxed sense of joy. An amalgamation of aquamarine, indigo and viridian make up the vast expanse of glittering water as well as sky, which is further punctuated with clearer strokes of a high contrasting pink hue.

Although he employs a highly contrasting palette within the composition, viewers will find that within the imagery, form and colour, harmony is invoked into a peaceful albeit sublime landscape. Liao further exposes pastel colours to enhance the sublimity of nature, within visions of an ephemeral sky. The viewer can envision another "realm" outside the canvas. The subtropical terrain of Taiwan's famous coast has been forever heightened and skillfully portrayed through the eyes of a legendary artist; confidence and poise exceptionally evident as he composes a "poem" of colour.