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Preface of Poetic Scenery‧Exquisite Works by Liu Maoshan by Kwok Ho Mum 2006.09
 
 
 
In the late 80¡¯s of the twentieth century, whenever the name of the Suzhou artist ¨C Liu Maoshan was mentioned, it always reminded people of his poetic works of Jiangnan Water Village. At that time, Liu not only skillfully manipulated traditional Chinese brushstrokes of point, line and surface to have the distinctive scenery of Jaingnan Water Village vividly portrayed, but also successful created a new artistic style, which is refreshing, lively and affectionate, by applying the elements of color and light to it. As Liu¡¯s water village are warm, enchanting and possess a strong ambience of Eastern charm, they appealed to countless of art connoisseurs at home and aboard, and widely won critical acclaim and admiration among foreign art collectors. In no time, en endeavor to learn from, or even imitate Liu¡¯s technique and style of local painters from different part of the country, no matter of their fame, was sparked off. Liu¡¯s work have gradually and increasingly had a relatively great impact on the China art scene, even without being aware of it.
 
From1990¡¯s onwards, Liu Maoshan started his journey around the world, and his footsteps were all over Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, and Russia for art exhibitions, culture exchange, friendly visits, art speeches and lectures. The extension of artistic vision and horizon is incredibly important to artists. To Liu, exotic scenery of foreign countries had grabbed his heart so much that it had an enormous stimulation to his passion and enthusiasm for art creation. However, depiction of foreign scenery is very different from that of his familiar homeland of Jiangnan. The essence of culture and architecture unique to that particular place are not to be easily delineated in a few lines and strokes. Obviously, the level of expertise to fulfill this is unable to be underestimated. Facing this new challenge, Liu did not take retreating steps. Instead, he explored this whole new artistic world with great passion and determination. He tried to set the viewpoint on Eastern aesthetics, and adopt the method of summation and flexible manipulation of vagueness and fullness in his composition of pictures, while at the same time integrating various artistic elements to nourish his works. After 10 years of diligent cultivation, he gained tremendous breakthrough in his artistic life and produced a series of inspiring and sophisticated techniques to paint the exotic landscapes around the world. This not only made a great contribution to Chinese art, but also invented a brand new art species in the international art world.
 
The most significant achievement about Liu¡¯s works of exotic scenery is not merely about the lively depiction of the landscape, but his utilization of the most important element of Chinese painting, which is making full use if the brushstrokes. This involves applying different brushstrokes according to that particular scene, time and atmosphere, as well as blending the richness of hues, subtle shades of light and delicate emotions seamlessly into the painting. In his works, sketching and delineation ; the ability to summarize and generalize; level of competence in mastering the ink-wash and brushstrokes; and the aura of Eastern beauty are in most marvelous manifestation , altogether with the extraordinary level of expertise. Furthermore, the natural and spontaneous combination of mood and techniques in his works are amazing and exhilarating. This not only is a remarkable achievement in artistic exploration, but also successfully set a prototype for further development of Chinese art in the new millennium. Therefore, for all these years, art lovers in Chinese and foreign art circle cannot help but pay whole-hearted commendation and respect when facing Liu¡¯s sensational works, as well as his ingenuity and exploratory spirit.
 
Masters of art ho can withstand the test of time should possess the following requisites: first, to establish a pioneering artistic style, which is innovative and distinctive; second, the works should exhibit a superb level of craftsmanship which is difficult to be surpassed; and third, zealousness to fame and gain. The reason why eminent artists are honorable and enjoy prestigious positions in history lies in their contribution in creating exquisite art pieces that have not ever existed in the past. Not only do these give a realistic and concrete account of people¡¯s life, culture and aesthetic value of the particular time and nation, but also hand down past experiences and inspirations for posterity hence enriching human¡¯s life, through circulation and preservation of art works. The birth of every spectacular art piece signifies the painstaking effort of the artist, and this is without any doubt the fruit of the artist¡¯s cultivation.
 
I have got to know Liu Maoshan as early as the 80¡¯s in the last century. Time drifted by so fast that it has been twenty years since we first published Liu¡¯s art album and presented his solo exhibition in 1980¡¯s. In these twenty years of promoting Liu¡¯s art, I have been greatly concerned for his artistic pursuit and dedication. I have shared very nit of improvement and accomplishment of his artistic devotion, and we have been continuously exchanging each other¡¯s life virtue and aspiration. Therefore, I might say I am fully qualified to bear witness that Liu has successfully established himself and exceptional position in Chinese art history during these several en years in the art field. He not only fulfilled the above-mentioned three main criteria for being a master of art, but also provided an excellent reference material for contemporaries and younger generations through his original art languages. His peacefulness and positive attitude has become the role model in the recent art scene, which is not unknown for its anxiety and vanity.
 
The upcoming album ¡°Poetic Scenery£®Exquisite Works by Liu Maoshan¡± has already been the fifth album of Liu published by Wan Fung Art Gallery. Apart from compiling his internationally commended works of Jiangnan Water Village, a series of carefully selected works featuring foreign scenery such as of Hong Kong, Japan, America, Europe, and Russia over all these years are also included. Meanwhile, a touring exhibition of Liu¡¯s elite works starting from Hong Kong through Shanghai, Beijing and Guangdong will also be held. I sincerely hope that worldwide art lovers can also share the fruitful harvest of Liu¡¯s artistic endeavor and get inspirations from the story of his artistic aspiration and life experience.
 
Kwok Ho Mun
Wan Fung Art Gallery
September, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
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