Lui Shou Kwan - at the Art Institute of Chicago

 

Zen Painting, 1969

This is the third major exhibition of  contemporary/traditional Chinese ink painting curated by Tao Wang, the recently promoted Chair of Asian Art at the Art Institute of Chicago. Flowing across four separate galleries, they transform the Art Institute into a leading proponent of this unusual genre.  The earlier two exhibits,  Tai Xiangzhou and Xu Longsen, featured artists active today, while Lui Shou Kwan (1919-1975) belongs to the era that marked the triumph of Abstract Expressionism in America and around the world.

Lou’s brush painting seems to fall into three distinct categories: landscape , atmospheric dynamics, and the "Zen Painting" shown above.  Like a koan, his Zen pieces seem to present a puzzlement:  what is the hell is that red dot supposed to mean ?  Presumably, the answer is unknowable - and I just find these pieces to be as annoying as a dumb joke. 

The landscapes often reflect the unpleasant urban congestion of Hong Kong - more vibrant than peaceful.  They feel like cheap souvenirs.

But the pieces with atmospheric dynamics are often quite spectacular.   There’s a sense of limitless power and scale - as if the entire universe was the subject matter.  Reflections off the glass frames are regrettable, so you might just as well hunt for online reproductions - Christies is a good place to look