Zen painting
Description
A native of Guangzhou, Guangdong, Lui graduated from Guangzhou University. In 1948, he moved to Hong Kong. He studied painting from his father Lui Canming, devoting himself in his early years to mostly painting landscapes and flowers in the traditional style. Later, he turned to abstract painting. He developed ‘Zen Painting' by blending philosophical concepts of Taoism and Buddhism with Chinese ink painting techniques in a distinctive manner. He thus initiated the New Ink Painting Movement, which significantly impacted the Hong Kong art circle. The red dot is inspired and derives from the lotus of Buddhism and is commonly found in Lui's works from the 1960s and 1970s. The broad strokes, dynamic lines and washes contrast with the striking expanses of white space. The intricate balance between black and white, substance and void are symbolic of the dynamic balance of the cosmic yin and yang. The lotus represents the purity and tranquillity that lies beyond the chaos of the world.
Object Information
Date Created:
1970
Local ID:
AC1976.0053
Collection:
Modern Art
Place of Creation/Discovery:
Hong Kong
Dimensions:
180 x 97 cm
Creator(s):
Lui Shou-kwan (1919-75)
Materials:
Ink and color on paper
Period:
Early 20th Century
Classification:
Chinese painting, other subjects
Rights:
Hong Kong Museum of Art
