Lot 062
CHUNG CHEN SUN
b. Malacca, 1935
PUMPKIN, c.1965-68
金瓜图
Titled, dated and signed in Chinese ‘金瓜图 己酉 正山’
with seal (upper left)
Ink and colour on rice paper mounted on scroll
133.6cm x 67.4cm
PROVENANCE
Private collection, Kuala Lumpur.
ESTIMATE RM 6,000 - 11,000
PRICE REALISED RM 7,700 |
Done during the 1960s when Chung Chen Sun was more focused on picturesque language of ink and brush, the artist sought to expand his artistic horizon through experimentation with different techniques and study of Chinese calligraphic lines. Here we see the artist’s attempt to bring out the spirit of Chinese culture by working on such subject matters as his quest to explore the contemporary Nanyang style.
The unpainted white space of the rice paper gives the illusion of the pumpkins lightly dangling from their vines. The airy ambience of a faint colour-play in this Chinese ink mislead the viewer into forgetting that pumpkins, in all their mighty weight spring from the earth. The perspective is interesting to note as well, as it gives the impression of the pumpkins as though some small light weight fruit swaying effortlessly in the breeze.
Chung Chen Sun founded five art institutions in Malaysia and China, including the Malaysian Institute of Art and was its Principal from 1967. He established International Contemporary Ink Painting Association in 1982. He devoted his time here and worked tirelessly to modernise Chinese ink painting and to promote the development of Malaysian Chinese culture and facilitate international exchanges. Graduated from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore, his works have been showcased in international exhibitions held in more than 20 countries. His contribution in Chinese ink painting in Malaysia has gained the reputation as “Father of Malaysian Contemporary Ink Painting”.
REFERENCE
Selected Paintings of Chung Chen Sun, 2006.
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