lersus

Artitst Lu Chuntao\’s \”Riverside\” series

Lu Chuntao has successfully switched from traditional ink-wash painting and bird-and-flower themes to unconventional and startling ink wash about a rougher, more powerful nature.

Switching, while retaining the ink-wash spirit, can be difficult because of the absence of vivid colors, layers and textures in the ancient genre.

Lu, a traditional artist for nearly two decades, \”found himself\” a few years ago and produced works with a wilder, explosive power. His solo exhibition is underway at Xuhui Art Museum.

\”What I paint is not that important. The key is to infuse the flowers and birds with verve and spirit as well as form, sentiment and taste all at the same time,\” says the Shanghai native from Chongming Island.

Two series, \”Desolate Valley\” and \”Alongside the River,\” emphasize brushstrokes and feelings over content.

\”I want to pursue striking visual effects through my brush,\” he says. \”It\’s easier said than done in regard to the revolution on rice paper. But that\’s the inevitable trend if we really want to be different from our predecessors.\”