Xu Yuren (b. 1951)
Plant Series 1101
ink on silk
executed in 2011
176 x 33 cm
(69 1/2 x 13 in)
signed Xu Yuren and dated

EXHIBITION
Contemporaneity of Revisiting Historical Paths, Group Exhibition, Gallery 100, Taipei, 24 June - 23 July 2011

LITERATURE
Illustrated P.61, Contemporaneity of Revisiting Historical Paths, Gallery 100, Taipei, 2011

The Plant Series is an expression of Xu’s studies on horizontal, vertical and geometric formats in ink and brush. The plants, as if frozen in a timeless space, seem to have no connection to any particular settings of landscape or environment, which is also considered to be a reflection of the artist’s state of mind.

Plant Series 1101 and Plant series 1103 (lot 5) are Xu’s latest works of simple ink and brush, which best demonstrate the special ink and brush techniques pioneered by the artist. Plant Series 1101 is a vertical scroll depicting the power of flower branches by a medium - sized dry brush. The vigorous brush strokes vitalize the plant but at the same time capture the finesse and elegance of the flower blossoms. The blank space gives room for imagination.

Plant Series 1103 is a long scroll, where the artist creates perspective and a geometrical composition formed by small dots and fine lines. With super fine brush strokes, the artist depicts the beauty and elegance of lotus and the pond in a simplistic way.

Both works are painted with dark ink on white silk. The free and vigorous brush strokes, as well as the skillfully arranged composition, typify the spirit of the literati.