Fu Chuan-fu not only developed new techniques for depicting actual places, he also concentrated on creating new realms of ink scenery, gaining particular insight into the methods of ink wash. The visual effect of his blended ink washes and the transparency of his moist scenes appear like a transformation of Mi Fu's (1051-1107) artistic concept of cloudy mountains. Fu's "Communing with Mi Fu" on display here has a harmonious mingling of ink washes springing from the form of "Mi dots," transfiguring the texture strokes into ink washes. Except for those more familiar with Fu Chuan-fu's landscapes, it would appear to be a new development in his style.
"Stream Flowing Among Autumn Woods" still features lines of water, representing a transition in this development. Although such works as "Old Pines Soughing in the Wind" from the same period still have complex texturing, this element is also seen in such mist-filled scenes as "Myriad Bamboo in Mist and Rain," "Two Sailboats on an Autumn River," and "Seen in East Sichuan," diverging from the actual scenery to present a more abstracted view. "Mooring at Dusk in the Rain" is rendered with large swathes of the brush to capture a solemn feeling of twilight and mountains drenched in rain, the harmony of ink washes glittering in rich layers for a most dazzling effect.
Communing with Mi Fu
- Fu Chuan-fu (1910-2007), Republican period, 1963
- Mounted, ink and colors on paper, 32.4×59.4 cm
Mi Fu (1051-1107) was a famous scholar-artist of the Northern Song period. The method of fusing ink washes with a profusion of water creates an impression that hints at Fu Chuan-fu's imitation of Mi Fu.
Two Sailboats on an Autumn River
- Fu Chuan-fu (1910-2007), Republican period, 1975
- Mounted, ink and colors on paper, 27.5×69 cm
The fusion of ink and color washes in this work is almost completely removed from the forms depicted, creating an abstract quality to the area on the right.
Mooring at Dusk in the Rain
- Fu Chuan-fu (1910-2007), Republican period
- Hanging scroll, ink on paper, 90×44.4 cm
This painting was done with large swaths of moist brushwork that capture the mood of solemn skies and a drenched landscape, the shades of ink shimmering in rich layers for a most fascinating example of Fu Chuan-fu's style.
