Kan Tai-Keung

signed TAI-KEUNG, dated 2008, and with two seals of the artist
signed KAN TAI-KEUNG, titled, and dated 2008 in pencil on reverse

Kuo, Jason C., Chinese Ink Painting Now, Distributed Art Publishers, New York, USA; Timezone 8, Hong Kong, China, 2010, p.115

Overall in good condition. Framed size: 157.5 x 71.1 cm; 62 x 28 in.
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Kan Tai-Keung’s calligraphic landscape paintings harmoniously integrate traditional Chinese culture with modern composition. His use of negative space and expressive ink techniques, as shown in Coherence (LOT 542) and Rising Clouds (LOT 569), can be attributed to the ideas of Daoism that have influenced Chinese painters for centuries. As a Hong Kong artist exposed to theories of modernism introduced under British colonization, Kan benefited from a diverse education in art and design, and was a participant in the New Ink Art movement—making him one of the most multi-faceted and representational artists of Hong Kong.

Born in Guangzhou, Kan moved to Hong Kong in 1957 and worked as a tailor for a decade. In 1966, he began studying graphic design with Wucius Wong (see LOT 514) and later attended art lectures by Lui Shoukwan, Hong Kong’s revolutionary modern ink painting pioneer. Kan never received formal training with ink and brush prior to embarking on his career in art and design. In 1970, Kan joined the One Art Group, an avant-garde Hong Kong art group established by Lui Shoukwan who sought to establish a unique Hong Kong art identity through an ink painting revolution.

Kan Tai-Keung’s participation in Hong Kong’s New Ink Art movement during the 1970s is well-recognized, and the artist continues to be actively involved in art and design education to this day. His works are currently housed in both well-known private collections as well as public institutions, including the Guangdong Art Museum, Macau Art Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minnesota, Taiwan Provincial Art Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Art, and Hong Kong Heritage Museum.