Unique Ink Paintings by Liu Kuo-Song

A exhibit with a name "Experimentation as a Method" intrigued me when we visited National Gallery of Singapore during lunar new year holidays.  What did it mean experimentation as a method? what experiments?

When I got into the exhibit hall, there were quite a few paintings on mountains and water, such as "In the midst of a beautiful spring" and "snow mountains". I wondered how could one painted in such details. Lily later told me that it was definitely not painted by brushes. 

In midst of a beautiful spring

mountains

It turned out that Mr. Liu did not paint those paintings by brushes, but through a few related techniques through experimentation, thus the exhibit's name experimentation as a method.

Liu examined the material possibilities of ink painting, and developed several brushless techniques, such as "ink rubbing:" "paper rubbing." "water rubbing" and "steeped ink" during 1980s and 1970s. 

"Ink rubbing" involves applying ink to a crumpled or folded piece of paper before pressing it onto the painting's surface. Repeating this process will build up different layers of ink on the paper, leading to the creation of lines of varying ink intensity on painting itself.

"Paper rubbing" is a technique where a thick layer of ink is applied to a flat surface, after which one presses a crumpled piece of paper against the inked surface before rubbing it against the painting surface Using paper of varying thicknesses and materials would result in different lines and textured patterns

"Water rubbing" involves dripping ink into a basin of water, after which one places a flat piece of paper onto this liquid mixture to copy the ink pattern that has formed on the surface of the water. While different types of ink will produce different effects, the paper itself could be pre-treated in order to alter the way it absorbs ink

"steeped ink" technique, ink is gradually applied to several papers that are glued together, before setting it aside to permeate through the different layers. By capturing the air bubbles created in the gaps between the papers and adjusting the way ink and water is used in the process, it was possible to create a completely unique visual effect.

Coming

At the end of the exhibit, there was a video showing how Mr. Liu using various techniques to paint - it was more like making things than painting. The unique patterns, colors generated from his techniques are amazing and alien like. The collections of his work can be found at https://www.liukuosung.org/

He used all things natural to create something that feels like from another world. In this era of artificial intelligence, I am mazed, and inspired by his creativity and imagination. 

Note - see more professional comments on his work via the following links

https://ocula.com/magazine/features/liu-kuo-sung-a-modern-master/

http://www.asiaartcenter.org/asia/portfolio/liu-kuosung/?lang=en