June 22nd, 2024

Happy Saturday! Well, it’s been a week and I still don’t have my pen plotter yet 🫠 the shipping just got updated today and it should be arriving next Thursday from Shenzhen, China. Just enough time to get it set up and hopefully have some test plots to share with you all.

While I wait, I’ve been researching various pens and papers. I’m a big fan of Hahnemühle paper for ink printing, but I want to explore different options instead of going with something I’m familiar with. My obsession with Japanese craftsmanship led me to Awagami, a family ran company in Tokushima. They are a 6th generation paper making family and still make various lines of paper by hand in a painstakingly slow process that begins with harvesting the kozo fibers from a hillside next to the mill. If you’re a fan of artisans who are obsessed with creating something perfect, you can nerd out on the details here:

I definitely plan on picking up some of their paper to use on special pieces, and I’ll be sure to share my thoughts on how it turns out.

Let’s get into the spotlight. This week I’m covering an artist from China with incredible brush work.

Artist Spotlight - Chu Teh-Chun (1920-2014)

Career

Chu Teh-Chun was born on October 24, 1920, in Baitu, Jiangsu Province, China. He came from a well-educated family that valued art and culture. His father was an art enthusiast, which provided him with an early exposure to traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy.

Chu’s formal art education began at the National School of Fine Arts (now China Academy of Art) in Hangzhou, where he studied under prominent Chinese artists such as Lin Fengmian and Pan Tianshou. These mentors influenced his approach, encouraging a blend of traditional Chinese techniques with Western artistic principles. During his time in Hangzhou, he was deeply influenced by Western modern art, particularly the works of Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso, which he studied in art journals and books.

In 1949, following the Chinese Civil War, Chu moved to Taiwan, where he continued to develop his artistic practice. He became a professor at the National Taiwan Normal University, teaching Western painting techniques while also continuing his exploration of traditional Chinese art forms.

In 1955, he moved to Paris, a pivotal moment in his career. The vibrant Parisian art scene exposed him to contemporary Western art, including Abstract Expressionism, which profoundly influenced his work. Chu’s early years in Paris were marked by a struggle to find his unique voice in a new cultural context.

Inspired by the abstract works of artists such as Nicolas de Staël, he began to shift from figurative to abstract painting. This transition was marked by a synthesis of Eastern and Western artistic traditions, combining the spontaneity and expressiveness of traditional Chinese brushwork with the bold colors and dynamic compositions of Western abstract art. His paintings from this period are characterized by their lyrical abstraction, where he used vibrant colors and fluid brushstrokes to convey emotion and movement.

Chu’s work began to gain recognition in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He held his first solo exhibition in Paris in 1958, which was well-received and established him as a significant figure in the Parisian art world. Throughout the 1960s, he continued to exhibit in major galleries and international art fairs, solidifying his reputation as a leading abstract artist. By the 1970s, he had achieved international acclaim. His works were exhibited in Europe, the United States, and Asia, attracting critical praise for their unique fusion of Eastern and Western aesthetics. He became known for his ability to create harmonious compositions that balanced tradition and modernity.

Chu Teh-Chun passed away on March 26, 2014, leaving behind a rich legacy. His work continues to be celebrated for its innovative blend of Chinese and Western artistic traditions. Chu’s paintings are held in major museum collections worldwide, and his influence is evident in the work of contemporary artists who seek to bridge cultural divides through their art.

Contributions to the Art World

Chu’s innovative approach of combining Western art styles with traditional Chinese techniques positioned him as a pioneer in modern Chinese art, contributing to the evolution of contemporary art in China and beyond. His work paved the way for other Chinese artists to explore and incorporate Western styles into their own practices.

His work served as a cultural bridge, inspiring a new generation of artists to explore and merge different artistic traditions. His successful synthesis of Eastern and Western elements demonstrated the creative potential of cross-cultural influences and encouraged artists to experiment with diverse styles and techniques.

As a professor at the National Taiwan Normal University, Chu played a significant role in shaping the development of modern art education in Taiwan. His teachings inspired many students who went on to become prominent figures in the Taiwanese art scene. His mentorship extended his influence beyond his own work, impacting the broader art community.

Style

Chu Teh-Chun was deeply inspired by music, particularly classical compositions. He often listened to works by composers like Bach and Beethoven while painting. The rhythm and flow of music influenced the dynamic brushstrokes and lyrical quality of his abstract works. Some reports suggest that he may have experienced a form of synesthesia, where he perceived music as colors and shapes, which he then translated onto the canvas.

His early training in traditional Chinese calligraphy profoundly influenced his painting style. The fluidity and expressiveness of his brushwork can be traced back to the disciplined practice of calligraphy. This connection added a unique dimension to his abstract art, blending visual and written forms of expression.

Chu often preferred to paint at night, finding the quiet and solitude of the late hours conducive to his creative process. This nocturnal habit allowed him to immerse himself fully in his work without distractions. His studio was meticulously organized, reflecting his disciplined approach to painting. He believed that a well-ordered environment was essential for maintaining clarity and focus in his art.

Chu’s paintings frequently evoke natural landscapes, drawing inspiration from mountains, rivers, clouds, and other natural elements. His abstract representations of nature capture the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, reflecting his deep connection to nature. His work is imbued with philosophical and spiritual undertones, drawing from Chinese Taoist and Zen Buddhist thought.

Influences and Lessons

Lin Fengmian, a pioneer in modern Chinese painting, encouraged his students to explore new styles and techniques, which significantly impacted Chu’s artistic development. Fengmian’s influence shows the importance of being open to new ideas and integrating diverse styles to create something unique.

Georges Mathieu was a French painter and one of the leading figures of Lyrical Abstraction, a movement that had a significant impact on Chu. Mathieu’s spontaneous and expressive brushwork influenced Chu’s abstract style, encouraging him to embrace a more dynamic and emotional approach to painting.

Chu’s deep engagement with nature and Chinese philosophy enriched his art, giving it a profound and meditative quality. Drawing connections between personal experiences and cultural backgrounds can enrich our artistic practices.

Style Representation

Note: Chun’s style is not well represented in Stable Diffusion or Midjourney. Using —sref is as good as you can get.

Collectors Corner - Tiv

Final Thoughts

After an exhausting week, I’m looking forward to recharging this weekend. I’ll spend some time with the fam, cook up something on the smoker and maybe even get in a nap. The Midwest is going to get slammed with a heat wave starting Monday and I’m already sweating just thinking about it.

As always, if you enjoyed this edition I would really appreciate if you shared it. Just hit the share button below. And if you’re not following me on X yet, I’d love to follow you back. I’m also on Warpcast!

On that note, I’ll leave you with a quote to keep on going every day, even when the collectors seem to have disappeared:

Enjoy your weekend, friend!

P.S. If you have feedback I’d love to hear it! A reply to this email goes directly to me.

Disclaimer: links may include referral codes that provide a small commission to me at no cost to the collector; commissions are paid from mint fees that the platform charge for each transaction.