Liu Xun(b.1958) Landscape in the Mist ink on paper, album with six paintings executed in 2003 each: 25 x 31 cm (9 7/8 x 12 1/4 in) EXHIBITED Liu Xun Solo Exhibition, Xi Zhi Tang Gallery, Taipei, 6 to 31 May 2006
Liu Xun fully adopts the use of multi-point perspective from the traditional Chinese painting in his works, allowing the viewers to visually experience the stunning scenery when flipping through these six pages of artwork. His intricate depiction on mountains and valleys has been appraised by the international art realm. Being appointed as a photographer of the Research Institute of Chinese Cultural Relics for years, Liu has developed a strong sense in the composition of his painting. His innate sense in aesthetics and juxtaposition of landscape embrace the scenery with elegance and balance. Instead of abiding the traditional practice of retaining spaciousness in Chinese painting, Liu unconventionally softens the silhouettes-like outlines of the landscape to create a three-dimensional perspective by using brushstrokes from different schools and painting pastes such as ocher, cyanine, and white powder. This exceptional technique truly demonstrates Liu’s enduring love to nature, bringing the viewers to a whole new realm of experience and yet reminds them the essence of traditional ink painting.