Liu Dan

signed Liu Dan 526/85

Acquired directly from the artist
Collection of Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak

USA, Hawaii, Honolulu Academy of Arts, Paintings and Drawings by Liu Dan, 1989

Overall in good condition with very light mold on the image upper-mid right, which can easily be improved with reframing and restoration. Framed in original frame from the previous owner, overall measuring 47.5 by 53.5cm. Inscribed on the reverse in Chinese: 送給莉莎 九三年二月 "Given to LiSha 1993.2"
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Book Collage Series: Window is a rare example of Liu Dan's early works from the 1980s, created in Hawaii in a period representative of profound life changes and artistic transition for the artist. The unusual collage is a personally significant work for the artist, and was selected as a highlight of his solo exhibition at the Honolulu Academy of Arts in 1989, part of an ongoing bicentennial celebration of the arrival of Chinese people in Hawaii. "With a new heart, one can create new art," stated Liu Dan upon the opening of the exhibition that featured both drawings and paintings intended to chart his new artistic visions following several major life changes.¹ Liu Dan moved to Hawaii in 1981 with his then-wife Elizabeth Wichmann, a professor and scholar of Chinese theatre who is depicted in the present painting. The necessity to learn a new language and adapt to a foreign culture mirrored the efforts that Liu put towards defining his voice as a painter where "accent is more important than grammar - voice more essential than structure, vision more compelling than technique."²

In this present collage, Liu demonstrates the reconciliation of his interest in Chinese and Western styles in an atmosphere of artistic liberty,  establishing his profound respect for Chinese and Western artistic heritage and continuity.³ The foreshortened angle and the delicate pencil drawing reveal Liu's mastery of the linear perspective of the woman and chiaroscuro in creating a convincing sense of three-dimensionality and spatial recession. Through the window however, one enters into a semi-abstract landscape; achieved using pale, loose ink washes. The style here is not only evocative of Haleakala's unique volcanic landscape, it is also reminiscent of the mists and clouds found in a traditional Chinese landscape.  Liu's innovative juxtaposition of Chinese ink and Western drawing results in an intriguing image of cultural integration. The celebration of mixed elements evident in this work is extremely unique, especially in contrast to the development of Liu's mature dry-brush paintings of flowers (see Poppy, Lot 831), scholar stones and landscapes, for which he is renowned worldwide.

¹ Morse, Marcia. "Artist Liu Dan Transcends Technique in New Work." The Sunday Star-Bulletin & Advertiser 30 April 1989: E10. Print

² Ibid.

³ Jennifer Saville, "Works by Liu Dan", Honolulu Academy of Arts Calendar News, April 1989.