Moon on Snowy Mountains

Artists

Description

The bright moon floats above a remote, seemingly frozen setting of snow-covered mountains. The symmetrical composition gives the painting a formality reminiscent of a religious icon. Innovative use of collage and metallic paint heightens the icy atmosphere. This painting belongs to the celestial series Liu Guosong began after the Apollo 8 space mission. Liu, who founded the Fifth Moon Group in 1956, played an important role as a teacher in the arts. From his earliest teaching appointment in Taiwan in 1960, through his visiting appointments at universities in the U.S. and his senior teaching and administrative appointments in Hong Kong and Taiwan, he has shaped the development of painting and energized the interplay of Chinese and Western elements.

Dimensions

painting proper: 88.9 x 59.2 cm (35 x 23 5/16 in.) Framed: 110.49 x 78.74 x 5.08 cm (43 1/2 x 31 x 2 in.)

Provenance

Liu Guosong, Taipei (1970-by 1973?), probably gift; to Chu-tsing Li, Lawrence, Kansas (by 1973?-2012), gift; to his son B U.K. Li, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2012-2014), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2014. Footnotes: 1. Dr. Chu-tsing Li (1920-2014)