3812 Gallery is pleased to present “Dusk Upon the Hush: Liu Guofu Works on Paper Exhibition", the artist’s first solo exhibition dedicated to his works on paper series with 3812. As an artistic extension from his quintessential oil on canvas oeuvre previously showcased at 3812, “Dusk Upon the Hush” showcases 26 works on paper created between 2016 and 2024, demonstrating Liu’s mastery on three varieties of paper works: ink and colour, oil, and oil pastel.
Inspired by a poem by the Chinese Tang dynasty poet Wang Wei (699–759 A.D.), the exhibition title "Dusk upon the Hush" echoes the rhythmic and lyrical interplay of light and shadow in Liu's works. Set in a secluded forest where whispers are heard but untraceable, the poem concludes with an ethereal image of dusk light casting shadows on a bed of moss, evoking a sense of serene vitality.
Integrating the philosophical wisdom rooted in Eastern culture with the free-wheeling artistic tempo of Western modern art, which has been a constant in Liu’s oil paintings, continues in his works on paper, now with some remarkable additions that deal a nuanced emotional punch through visceral stimuli. From canvas to paper, formality gives way to wilful serendipity, and rigidity leaves room for dynamics. The "throw the paint at the paper to see how it sticks" approach that Liu adopts infuses his work with a sense of playful levity and controlled spontaneity. This flexibility, unfettered by gravitas, opens up a world of unbounded imagination and creative possibilities on the medium of paper.
In his paper works, Liu makes an artistic statement of his appreciation for Chinese art ingenuity and the Asian mastery of using the simplest and most basic medium to achieve profound artistic expression. One of the four great inventions by China, paper-making lays the very foundation for Chinese ink and brush art to flourish and evolve, enabling artists to express the subtleties of their craft and emotions with precision and depth. The monochrome brushstrokes in Liu’s works evoke the primitive ethos of Chinese ink paintings, meticulously applied yet allowing the pigments to run their own course, resulting in an expressive and dynamic rendering. Juxtaposed with it is the abstract and opaque romanticism often seen in western watercolour and other artistic influences.
“In my art, I aim to evoke spirituality and a ‘ceremonial sense’ that transports viewers to a place of peace and introspection. Inspired by Zhuangzi’s (Chuang-Tzu, 369—298 B.C.E.) philosophy, I believe art transcends mortal boundaries and reflects the human spirit,” says Liu of his artistic conceit. Liu’s work emphasizes the need for calmness and a peaceful state of mind to expand our understanding amidst the conflicts of our world. Manifesting this state of tranquility through art, Liu’s work invites viewers to reflect on life's complexities and find solace in their contemplation.
