LU SHOUKUN

Lu Shokun is a pivotal figure in the New Ink Art Movement in Hong Kong during the 1960s and 1970s. He inspired many students and followers who continued with and promoted the ink art tradition. In the 1960s, he reached the peak of his career with a series of Zen paintings. Here in Winter (Lot 44), an example of the series, contains his characteristic broad and free calligraphic brushstrokes, ink washes and the red dot. These elements create an atmosphere of Taoist philosophical contemplation, a theme that permeates throughout the series. winter is executed with much panache, showcasing the artist at his height of technical prowess.

In the late 1960s, Irene Chou met Lu Shoukun. Lu's progressive theories on art and ink painting inspired her to move away from Lingnan style and began her foray into experimenting with "splash ink" technique. In Untitled (Lot 45), the style is reminiscent of her mentor Lu, demonstrating his profound influence on her. Chou incorporated high impact quality Zen and Tao derived "one-stroke" technique, creating a dynamic abstract painting. These elements would define her signature style of the 1980s. Both Winter and Untitled are representative of the New Ink style emerging in Hong Kong at the time.