Chen Qikuan (Chen Chi-Kwan)

titled, and signed with one seal of the artist

Acquired directly from the artist in 1980
Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection

Chen Chi Kwan Paintings 1940- 1980, Art Book Co. Ltd, Taiwan, 1981, Plate 95

This work is in good condition overall. Framed under Plexiglas.
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Trained as a Bauhaus architect, Chen Qikuan transposed his artistic vision into innovative views of nature. Through his paintings, Chen Qikuan sought innovation in the moment. He was undoubtedly inspired by the wildly unusual brush techniques and vivid colours of his self-taught contemporary Yu Chengyao (1998-1993). Both artists had a great sense of design and composition, and disregarded the formalities of traditional painting. Nonetheless, the results are visually striking in their use of colour and mesmerising in the light, but mature, application of the brush and ink. 

Forest pays homage to the legendary thousand-year-old trees of the Yakasugi Forest in Japan. The ancient forest has been a traveler's destination for centuries, recorded as early as the 6th century in China. Located on the protected island of Yakushima, the dense forest is home to indigenous species of red-bottomed macaques and herds of sika, Japanese spotted deer. The intimacy of the hand scroll format immediately draws the viewer into the lively scene filled with dozens of the hanging monkeys and frolicking deer, all thoughtfully composed with a fine brush. In stark contrast, the unusual sponge-like patterns of the trees and staccato marks of their branches nearly fill the entire painting with an imposing, yet whimsical atmosphere. The liveliness of the forest scene transcends the traditional structure of his painting, which is immediately accessible to viewers of all ages.