LIN FENGMIAN (1900-1991)

A pioneer of Chinese modern paintings known for his masterly infusion of Eastern and Western art, Lin Fengmian successfully introduced a western perspective into Chinese Paintings, blending European painting styles with traditional Chinese techniques. His works stand out with a strong sense of Chinese cultural identity and realist-expressionism-the intriguing grey palette of Lotus Pond is complemented by a rich composition and perspective precision to entice the viewer's imagination. Depicting part of a lotus pond, the filled composition is reminiscent of the lotus blossoms by Impressionist master Monet. Instead of highlighting the subtle changes in colour and light, Lin plays with large colour blocks, harmoniously constrasting the strong green hues against a dark background. The heavily textured brushwork and colour tone represent a perfect marriage of post-impressionism and Chinese traditional painting elements.