Chu Teh-Chun (Zhu Dequn)

signed in pinyin and Chinese; signed in pinyin and Chinese and dated 6.10.1974 on the reverse; Galerie Soleil label affixed to the stretcher on the reverse

Galerie Soleil, Paris
Important Private Asian Collection

Tokyo, The Ueno Royal Museum, Solo Exhibition of Chu Teh-Chun, June 23 - July 10, 2007

Solo Exhibition of Chu Teh-Chun, The Ueno Royal Museum, Tokyo, p. 163, illustrated in colour

This work is in very good condition. There are very slight and minor wears along the borders. There are some patches on the surface which shall belong to the artist's original creation. There is no evidence of restoration under UV light.
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Inspired by Brittany’s scenery, Chu Teh-Chun’s Composition No. 624 illustrates distinguishing characteristics, namely enhanced by the gold background and densely black hues that permeate from the center and upper sections of the canvas. The region of Brittany is located on a peninsula in north-western France, between the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay and the Celtic Sea. Known for its’ atmospheric sunshine and scenery, it is probable that Chu was largely influenced by the spread of golden sun rays along the seacoast, made more vivid in stark contrast to a mass of dark rain clouds in the sky. It is therefore noted that the piece thoroughly exemplifies beautifully depicted scenery within the artist’s mind.

Within the composition, the artist has applied slightly diluted black hues to create enigmatic brushstrokes that seem to reflect typical Chinese calligraphic works.  This has been executed with utter precision and profundity, as the artist applies simple smooth strokes in horizontal lines, juxtaposing the verticality of the canvas to create a broader perspective, thus creating a typically valley-like form towards the bottom of the painting. The viewer is thus able to see drifting gold and black clouds and the clear slant of the sun’s rays as if they were looking at this magnificent scenery in real life.