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Lot Essay
Chu Teh-Chun began his exploration of abstract art in the 1960s. In 1956, he began to work on the Abstract Composition series. In these works, the artist gives direct expression to the lines, dots, surfaces, colours and other formal qualities which were hiding in his earlier figurative landscapes. This search for an unrestrained, individualistic visual language led Chu to the first breakthrough in his artistic career.
In 1960, Chu was invited to exhibit his works at the well-respected "School of Paris exhibition." (School of Paris was known for promoting abstract artworks.) In the same year, he also held a solo exhibition at the Galerie Legendre. Both of these events attest to the success of Chu's abstract works.
In the same period, Chu earned the recognition from French cultural circles; who admired the artist's independent efforts to integrate artistic traditions of the East and West. Chu's decision to make his stay in Paris more permanent was also related to his achievements.
No. 235 (Lot 3302), 1967 is a quintessential example of Chu Teh-Chun's early abstract works. In No. 235, typical of his earlier styles, Chu employs rich, heavy colours in a flamboyant, loud manner. Although No. 235 is in fact the smallest recorded existing oil on canvas work by Chu, it demonstrates Chu's studied efforts to "break [from] form", capture "emptiness" and express a state of "ease" in his abstract landscapes. On the small canvas, the gorgeous colour contrasts release a powerful visual impact. In addition, the formal lines lend power to the beauty and sense of structure inherent in the colours.
In 1960, Chu was invited to exhibit his works at the well-respected "School of Paris exhibition." (School of Paris was known for promoting abstract artworks.) In the same year, he also held a solo exhibition at the Galerie Legendre. Both of these events attest to the success of Chu's abstract works.
In the same period, Chu earned the recognition from French cultural circles; who admired the artist's independent efforts to integrate artistic traditions of the East and West. Chu's decision to make his stay in Paris more permanent was also related to his achievements.
No. 235 (Lot 3302), 1967 is a quintessential example of Chu Teh-Chun's early abstract works. In No. 235, typical of his earlier styles, Chu employs rich, heavy colours in a flamboyant, loud manner. Although No. 235 is in fact the smallest recorded existing oil on canvas work by Chu, it demonstrates Chu's studied efforts to "break [from] form", capture "emptiness" and express a state of "ease" in his abstract landscapes. On the small canvas, the gorgeous colour contrasts release a powerful visual impact. In addition, the formal lines lend power to the beauty and sense of structure inherent in the colours.