1969-23

Artists

Description

Subtly varied in its earthy browns and celestial blues, and vigorously brushed in black ink, this horizontal composition shares some affinity with “landscapes” despite its nonobjective composition. An imaginary space asserts itself around some of the forms and offers a vaguely organic impression. Feng Zhongrui, who left China for Taiwan in 1949, was a member of the Fifth Moon Group. Like other members of the group, he developed a modernist style, incorporating elements inspired by Western abstract expressionism into Chinese painting. He achieved spontaneous effects by splashing and applying ink and color with a palm-fiber brush.

Dimensions

painting proper: 34 x 94 cm (13 3/8 x 37 in.) Framed: 68.58 x 119.7 x 5.08 cm (27 x 47 1/8 x 2 in.)

Provenance

Feng Zhongrui, Taiwan (1969-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)