Break Through 1959

"Break Through" (1959) by Chu Teh-Chun is a stunning example of mid-20th-century abstract art, reflecting the dynamic synthesis of Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Chu Teh-Chun, a Chinese-French painter and member of the prestigious Académie des Beaux-Arts in France, was renowned for his unique ability to meld the influences of traditional Chinese calligraphy and ink painting with the abstract expressionism that was gaining prominence in the West during this period.

The lithograph "Break Through" is a vivid representation of Chu's mastery over form, color, and emotion. The composition is a chaotic yet harmonious explosion of color and movement, with broad, sweeping strokes of deep blues, blacks, and vibrant reds clashing and intermingling across the canvas. The bold, gestural marks are reminiscent of the techniques used in calligraphy, where the energy and rhythm of the brushstrokes convey the artist's internal state and philosophical musings.

In "Break Through," Chu's use of color is particularly striking. The dark, almost oppressive blacks and blues dominate the upper portion of the composition, creating a sense of tension and foreboding. These darker areas are counterbalanced by the bright, fiery reds and oranges that break through the gloom, suggesting a moment of rupture, revelation, or catharsis. This interplay of light and dark, of tension and release, is a hallmark of Chu's work, reflecting both the physical and spiritual landscapes he sought to depict.

The title "Break Through" can be interpreted in several ways. On one level, it may refer to the artist's personal and artistic journey, breaking through the constraints of traditional forms and entering the realm of abstract expressionism. On another level, it could symbolize a broader philosophical or existential breakthrough, a moment of clarity or enlightenment amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life. This duality, where personal and universal themes coexist, is central to understanding Chu Teh-Chun's work.

This lithograph also illustrates Chu's ability to merge the spontaneity and immediacy of abstract expressionism with the contemplative, meditative qualities of Chinese landscape painting. The work does not depict a specific scene or object, yet it evokes a sense of vastness, of natural forces at play, and of the artist's deep engagement with the world around him.

"Break Through" is not merely an abstract composition; it is a visual poem, a reflection of Chu Teh-Chun's inner world and his quest to capture the ineffable through art. It is a testament to his ability to transcend cultural and artistic boundaries, creating works that speak to universal human experiences while remaining deeply rooted in his own cultural heritage.

In the context of Chu Teh-Chun's broader oeuvre, "Break Through" is a significant piece that showcases the evolution of his artistic style during the late 1950s. It marks a period of experimentation and innovation, where Chu began to fully embrace the abstract, allowing him to express the complexities of his emotions and ideas in new and powerful ways.

Overall, "Break Through" by Chu Teh-Chun is a masterpiece of abstract art, demonstrating the artist's unique vision and his ability to communicate profound ideas through the language of color, form, and movement.

Abstract - China

Draw at 60 copies

Good condition, a small tear