Eastern Gouache

2006

Length:146.5 x Width:113.5 (cm)

Kuo Yu-Chun (b. 1967, Anding, Tainan) was also known by the name Kuo Hsi. He studied at Fu-Hsin Trade & Arts School and later pursued painting at the National Taiwan Academy of Arts (now National Taiwan University of Arts). He earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from Tunghai University. His works have been selected for major exhibitions such as the Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition and the Dadun Fine Arts Exhibition. Kuo is also active in regional art associations, including the Ching-Hsi Literary and Art Society and the Huludun Art Research Society. He continues to explore nihonga (mineral pigment painting), often experimenting with diverse themes and imagery.
Upheaval draws inspiration from the Classic of Mountains and Seas, a Chinese mythological text. The work portrays the primordial goddess Nuwa, depicted with a human head and serpentine body. Kuo is particularly skilled at painting water, and in this piece, he uses turbulent waves in varying tones to convey the chaotic state of the world at its origin. The earth is rendered in near-total darkness, with only faint light falling upon Nuwa. Her calm gaze, directed steadily forward, contrasts sharply with the surrounding storm, underscoring her divine power and the dramatic legend of her mending the sky with stone. The painting is characterized by meticulous detail and restrained color choices. Its treatment of water, light, and figure reveals Kuo’s strong foundation in drawing and his thoughtful control of pictorial elements. This work was selected for the 11th Dadun Fine Arts Exhibition.

Accession number:20170300269