Lai Chuan-Chien(1926-2016)

Oil Painting

1997

Length:60.5 x Width:72.5 (cm)

Still Life was completed in 1997 when this artist was aged 71. Although this painting is entitled Still Life, the artist made use of special lighting effects. Although his brushstrokes appear to be random, they are actually perfect. Although these are the main colors used by this artist throughout his career, in this particular work they have a type of allure. They are tender without being too sweet, they are rich without being too complicated. The lines serve to divide up the composition rather than as embellishments. The forms and colors work together to provide infinite illusions.
Lai’s early works were representational. Over time, he incorporated the color separation methods of Cubism, creating semi-abstract works that were colorful and had a poetic quality. In his younger days, he liked strong colors. Later on, he tended toward more elegant colors, revealing his maturity as a painter. His works ripple with poetic use of light and shadow, as well as harmony. Lai was not only a painter and book author, but also a poet. He once said that, “No matter in terms of word or oil paint, both explore the human emotion. Both are methods of spiritual refinement.” This is the best explanation of this artist’s creative process.

Accession number:A0145