Layers of Colour: Chung Tai-fu Solo Exhibition

Chung's magnificent relief sculpture has found a permanent home in the Cultural Centre's main hall in Hong Kong. His innovative technique in utilizing mineral pigments reminiscent of those found in China's Dunhuang caves brings a fresh perspective to the art world. Michelle was honored to curate the exhibition, presenting to the public this time-honored heritage.

 

Mineral pigments were utilized by ancient cave dwellers and were widely used in Buddhist paintings and architectural decorations throughout China. The murals in famous grottoes like Dunhuang and Bingling temple, as well as Maiji Mountain, were all created using mineral pigments. Prior to the popularity of ink painting, mineral pigment artwork was the dominant form of Chinese painting and was even introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty.

 

Japanese painters, influenced by Western visual art and their own creativity, developed a unique style in mineral pigment painting after the Meiji reform. In the 1990s, a group of Chinese painters who had studied in Japan returned to their home country to work on mineral pigment painting and taught in various art academies. Nowadays, mineral pigment paintings are highly regarded in the contemporary Chinese art scene and have received numerous international awards, showcasing the power of cultural exchange.

 

The beauty of mineral pigments lies in their insolubility in water, causing variations in color due to the different distributions and thicknesses of pigments. This leads to a surprising effect on the color layers, especially when the flickering surface is illuminated by light.

 

Chung had the privilege of studying under the renowned painters Takao Hirayama and Yukio Kayama at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts. Through their teachings, he was also able to connect with Chinese painters studying abroad.

 

Mineral pigment paintings have the potential to become a solid and enduring artistic heritage, while also embracing a contemporary style.