Titled inkMAGINATION, the exhibition presents a holistic viewing of the works of Chu Chen-nan

If you‘re a frequent flier to Taiwan, you may be familiar with the work of revered Taiwanese artist, Chu Chen-nan. Located within the first terminal of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, travellers will find Chu’s calligraphy inscribed onto some of its walls. His work, characterised by smooth and rich lines rendered in fluid strokes of ink, is highly regarded for its ability to evoke emotions and imagery through the use of Chinese characters.

Now, Chu has brought his works to Singapore. Titled inkMAGINATION, his first solo exhibition in the region presents a selection of calligraphy and contemporary paintings that showcases Chu’s nuanced artistry. Curated by Prof. Peini Beatrice Hsieh, directress of Art Museum at National Tsing Hua University, and hosted at Fine Art Storage Services, Le Freeport, the exhibition is divided into five distinct bodies of work; Calligraphy, The State of Mind, Serenity in Tranquil Dwelling, Longevity of the Universe, and Whisper of the Mountains.

Each collection focuses on the different artistic techniques and themes that inspired Chu throughout his life and career. Calligraphy distills the essence of ink as an expressive medium, transforming Chinese characters into textured forms. His calligraphy in Quoting ZhuangZi’s Enjoyment in Untroubled Ease, for example, features several recurring Chinese characters. The characters, however, are brushed differently each time, conveying different meanings and emotions in spite of their similar forms.

Serenity in Tranquil Dwelling, meanwhile, reflects his impressions of Paris through collage and layered brushwork. These paintings are tangible expressions of his time in Paris, (Chu trained in Paris in  the 1990s) during which he was introduced to western painting techniques. Displaying a distinctive fusion of ink, acrylic, and layered compositions, the collection is a flourish of eastern subtlety and nuance combined with the bold dynamism of western aesthetics.

Speaking about his debut in Singapore, Chu says, “I am honoured to show my art to a new audience in Singapore, especially since it is also my first visit here. Through my works, I hope to engage in a dialogue around cultural identity and expression.”

The exhibition, for now, remains an exclusive affair for collectors, held by invitation only. There are, however, talks to bring inkMAGINATION to a wider audience in the future, opening the door for more to experience Chu’s distinctive artistry.