A Gripping Dichotomy: Western Hyper-Realism Entwines with Eastern Minimalism

In Chu-Yueh Lan’s nature paintings, a captivating dichotomy emerges: a depiction of nature and humanity that feels almost undiluted in its purity, contrasted sharply with a display of peerless precision. Lan’s work bridges the hyper-realistic standards of Western art and the understated elegance of Eastern minimalism, all realized through masterful techniques but infused with childlike wonder.

Though Lan often portrays his subjects with meticulous realism, his work consistently exudes an innate curiosity about the world. He masterfully captures the everyday nuances of life: the joy and comfort of a feline companion, the fleeting beauty of flowers, or the desirable freedom of birds encountered during a neighbourhood stroll. These subjects, which are brought to life as the focal points of his compositions, are elegantly rendered through the alla prima (wet-on-wet) oil painting technique.

Yet, it’s in the expansive blank spaces of his canvases that the true depth of imagination is revealed. These voids possess a mesmerizing antique bronze patina, echoing luminous resonances of bygone eras. Against this ethereal backdrop, faint scenes appear and fade, inviting the viewer to journey through time, delving into a realm of infinite reminiscence and limitless imagination.

“When bathed in soft illumination, age-old silk takes on an entrancing, gilded patina typically found on antique bronze.”

Lan remains deeply fascinated by the subtle, yet entrancing yellowish backgrounds of ancient Chinese paintings displayed in the Taipei Palace Museum. To him, this aged hue is alluring, reminiscent of the rich, time-weathered patina on ancient bronze relics, casting a warm and nostalgic glow that draws the viewer into a world of history and tradition.

“These historic paintings were crafted on delicate silk canvases. Silk, being a finely woven fabric, has the unique ability to catch and gently refract ambient light. Under soft, diffused illumination, it emanates a captivating shimmer, much like the gilded patina of antique bronze,” Lan says.

This delicate shimmer is what sparked his inspiration. Lan meticulously layered colours on his oil painting canvas, creating a hue that ensnares viewers with the timeless charm of this aged palette. The backgrounds in his artwork seem to whisper tales of past eras, exuding a mystic glow.

“In the void lies the realm of imagination.”

In Lan’s masterpieces, a captivating golden expanse consistently reveals itself—a space that, as he describes, “is not merely a white blank canvas but a domain where the imagination freely wanders.” This vastness, often termed “negative space” in Western art, is less prevalent in traditional Western oil paintings but is a powerful tool employed by many classical Chinese artists.

Crafted in Lan’s signature golden-bronze tones, this open canvas acts as a magnet, inviting viewers to fill the space with their interpretations, associations, and cherished memories. In doing so, they establish a deep and lasting bond with the artwork.

“Opulent shades of blue and green.”

Lan often centres his canvases with vivid shades of blue and green, echoing the sprawling landscapes celebrated in the scroll paintings of the Tang and Song Dynasties. These hues take on abstract shapes, resembling the majestic intricacies of rock formations or the gentle cascade of waterfalls. They beckon viewers to delve into, wander, and immerse themselves in the emotive splendour of his art.

“Every life bears inherent value and significance.”

Lan’s artworks consistently feature the commonplace dwellers of our world, ranging from cats and sparrows to chipmunks and blossoming flowers like camellias and cherry blossoms.

“In my early forays into painting, I conscientiously observed the often-overlooked aspects of daily life. I was firmly rooted in the belief that every life bears inherent value and significance. With this sentiment, I aspired to express these profound nuances with intricate detail in my close-up compositions,” Lan says.

Through his artistic perspective, these everyday subjects and moments come alive with a palpable realism, eliciting a deep recognition and bond with its audience. These realistic renderings were entrusted with the important role of acting as “keys to unlock the world within the paintings.” They are Lan’s invitation to his audience to delve deeper into the enigma of his artwork, where the viewers can freely infuse their own narratives, emotions, and experiences into the canvas.

“In every painting, I aspire to craft a distinct world.”

To gaze upon Lan’s paintings is to embark on a wondrous voyage, stepping into a realm where there’s hardly a distinction between reality and imagination, past and present. “In every painting, my goal is to forge a unique universe that invites you in. I hope to craft a serene realm within each canvas, marked by contrasts yet unity, stillness juxtaposed with motion. Even if you pause briefly, I hope you find solace and appreciate the beauty,” Lan says.

Indeed, immersing oneself in Lan’s masterpieces is a mesmerizing journey of wonder and reflection.