Chao Chung-hsiang (Zhao Chunxiang)

executed in 1984.

Private Asian Collection

Chao Chung-hsiang, Alisan Fine Arts, Hong Kong, 1997, p. 16, illustrated in colour

This work is overall in very good condition. There are very slight creases and foxing across the surface.
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In Chao Chung-Hsiang’s painting, Benevolent Protection 2, the artist has utilized both Western and Chinese traditions in painting, very much typical to the style of his work. Upon first glance, the piece seems to exude a predominant appearance of a traditional Chinese ink painting, but as the viewer further studies the work to a certain extent, they are able to discern an altogether more different style of painting to traditional Chinese ink. Within the painting, Chao translates an emergence of his agitated feelings within gestural strokes of paint. This typical aspect of abstract expressionism primarily allows Chao to cleverly utilize the medium of acrylic paint to its fullest extent. With this flexible medium, the artist is able to apply a more vibrant palette to his canvas, thoroughly presented within the bold use of primary colors, juxtaposed by the darkened tones of black. This is presented by the halo of lemon yellow towards the top of the canvas, the cerulean "boxes" towards the bottom of the canvas and the two red candles that strategically line the very bottom of the canvas. As a whole, these elements in the painting lend the composition a mysterious air, further enhanced by the darkened shadows and rich brushwork. Basic shapes have been exemplified within the composition, primarily with boxes and concentric circles, which doesn’t conform to the traditional style of Chinese painting.

Like most abstract compositions, the interpretation of subject is rather ambiguous and almost completely up to the viewer to discern. Seemingly so, the darker hues in the background could reflect a night setting, with the slightly diluted tones of the candles representing a call to prayer or a sacrifice. The Oriental concept exemplifies the personification of the natural gods. Consequently, the representation of a candle as well as the halo could reflect a theme of man and prayer, with the halo marking a natural response within.