Some advocate that good works of art should have functionality and respond to the times, while others believe that the meaning of art lies in art itself and should not be burdened with unnecessary definitions. In your mind, what is the nature of art?
The latest exhibition “No Man’s Land” by the famous Chinese artist Marco Lu at Pearl Lam Galleries showcases his rare landscape paintings and abstract artworks from the 1970s to the present. Reflecting on his over 40 years of artistic journey, Marco Lu has always pursued complete creative freedom in his works. Painting is a way of existence for him, where everything follows personal will, as he puts it: “I do not want my art to be used for anything other than art itself.”
Marco’s pursuit of pure art can be found in the “Realm of No One,” where the exhibition aims to simulate a state of detachment in appreciation, encouraging viewers to engage in comparative reading of the works. The 8 groups of works on display come from different periods, arranged in chronological order, elucidating the conceptual themes, techniques, and materials used, such as juxtaposing a figurative landscape painting with an abstract painting.
Created in the 1970s to 1980s, “The Gray Jade Spring at Yuanyuan” is a landscape painting symbolizing nameless activities, depicting a soft, deserted landscape with no signs of human presence. In “Autumn Lotus Pond,” it can be seen that Ma Ke Lu, who was still living in Beijing at the time, significantly reduced the impression of scenery, starting from the color palette limited to black and white tones, and delving deeper into non-representational forms.
In the early 1990s, he was studying the relevance of color space. As a representative work of abstract expressionism, “Composition in Black I” is a double-panel work on paper with the characteristics of Chinese ink painting. On the left panel, there is a faint vertical line, complemented by a curved line on the right panel, questioning the frontality of the image.
“The Sixth of the Eight Series” references the Qing Dynasty literati painter “Ba Da Shan Ren”. Those seemingly traditional landscape paintings are actually made with oil, mixed materials, and wax, intentionally blending the traditional Chinese ink painting with Western abstract language. Completed in the same year, “The Second of the Eight Series” (1994) is a large monochromatic painting that achieves a coherent color field, maintaining a good balance between layers of brushstrokes, prompting viewers to think of Clyfford Still’s lyrical abstraction and his understanding of abstraction.
When living abroad, Marco also recalls his hometown Beijing, depicted in the 1970s in “1989 Six,” presenting his distant memories of Beijing.
Faced with a family tragedy, Marco returned to Beijing in 2006 to contemplate his next steps. It wasn’t until 2008 that he began painting again. “White Light” projects a white blank space, consciously clearing the painting of unnecessary elements as if illuminating. Marco says, “I will tell you what abstraction in the wilderness is. This painting of mine is about light, a dazzling light, a blinding light.”
“Prisoner” (2015) is a declaration of liberation, cutting off all kinds of constraints. He never takes his creative freedom for granted, but he often doubts and holds back in the process of artistic thinking.
Since 2016, “Ah Da” is another attempt by Marco Lu to break away from familiar elements in the series, suppressing the traces of painting in a unique way of image transfer, further exploring the randomness of painting, continuing on the journey of maintaining the purity and self-contradiction of painting.
The exhibition fully showcases the changes in the artist’s creative themes, but the only constant is their sincere and pure exploration of art. You are welcome to visit “No Man’s Land” in person and appreciate the artist’s creative process over the years.
“The State of No One”: Marco Lugo Solo Exhibition Date: From now until July 30 Time: 10 am to 7 pm Location: Art Gate, 6th floor, Pedder Street 12, Central, Hong Kong
Image source and learn more: Art Gate
