CHEN QIKUAN (CHEN CHI-KWAN, 1921-2007)

In 1944, when Chen Qikuan was travelling to India, the aircraft encountered sudden turbulence which forced it to fly upside-down through the mountains. The view of the swirling earth beneath was a moment the artist was not able to forget. A professional architect, Chen Qikuan creates a strong sense of multi-dimensional space and perspective with flowing, moving lines. Fishermen adopts a birds-eye view inspired by architectural blueprints: against the background of rippling waves and flickering light, a dozen fishing boats can be seen, as if mid-flight, constructed with sketch-like, minimal brushwork that achieves a uniquely lyrical scene.