SHENG SHENG — Becoming
Chu Chen-Nan: Life, Form and Color
The title Life in Becoming draws inspiration from the I Ching (Book of Changes) and its philosophical concept of sheng sheng (生生), which expresses the continuous generation, transformation, and renewal of life.
Presented as Nan Art's 16th exhibition, Life in Becoming — Life, Form and Color: Chu Chen-Nan focuses on the artist's recent paintings, revealing a new chapter in his artistic journey. After decades of exploration, Chu's practice has evolved toward a freer, more open, and increasingly expressive visual language.
Departing from his earlier compositions rooted in traditional landscape imagery and the subtle layering of ink, these recent works embrace a more vibrant and expansive use of color. Broad fields of color overlap and merge, while circular and irregular forms emerge across the picture plane. Dynamic brushstrokes intersect and interact, creating compositions filled with rhythm, spontaneity, and vitality. Nature is no longer merely a subject to be depicted, but becomes an expression of the artist's inner world, personal memories, and lived experiences.
Moving between representation and abstraction, and from the refinement of ink techniques toward a more intuitive exploration of color and form, Chu continues to redefine the possibilities of painting.
SHENG SHENG — Becoming is not only a presentation of Chu Chen-Nan's recent artistic achievements, but also an exploration of life, time, and the ever-evolving nature of artistic creation.