Before the Storm

Original Language Title現代吳嵐倩風雨之前

Artist Wu Lan-Chiann (American, born Taiwan, 1972)

Date2015

MediumHanging scroll; Ink and metal leaf on paper

DimensionsOverall: 105 3/4 × 52 3/4 inches (268.61 × 133.99 cm)
Sheet: 104 × 48 1/4 inches (264.16 × 122.56 cm)
Image: 76 7/8 × 41 1/2 inches (195.26 × 105.41 cm)

Credit LineGift of Wu Lan-Chiann

Object number2018.33

SignedArtist signed her name on the left edge of painting

On View

Not on view

Collections

East Asian Art

Terms

Description“Before the Storm” features falling autumn leaves that cascade from the top left of the painting. The leaves are painted in ink washes and strokes with various tones. Flakes of metal leaves (palladium), attached with Funori (seaweed paste), are scattered in the background.Exhibition History

Exhibition History

“Beautiful China and Charming Shanghai” World Overseas Chinese Ink Painting Exhibition, group exhibition, organized by the Office of Overseas Chinese Affairs of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. Shanghai Library, Shanghai, China. November 22 - 25, 2015.

Gallery Label

In this painting, Wu Lan-Chiann uses ink washes and lines to suggest falling autumn leaves. Flakes of metal leaf (palladium) appear to shimmer and splash in the background.

Each leaf represents a unique circumstance, the artist explains:

In this painting, each leaf has its own cycle, has its unique shape and intensity, and has its own path through the air, and will touch the earth in its own way. The leaves represent human beings; each has a different upbringing, life experience, and destiny. I painted some leaves clearly and some vaguely; others are rendered complete and yet others damaged. Some have a clear direction, but others are hurt and lost; some lives are peaceful and others are turbulent, all captured in one painting.

Published References

John Tain and Wu Lan-Chiann, Precious Light: Contemporary Ink Painting by Wu Lan-Chiann, Los Angeles: The Tranquil Studio, 2015. Cat. 34, p. 51.

Hsui Li, ed. “Beautiful China and Charming Shanghai” World Overseas Chinese Ink Painting Exhibition Catalogue. Beijing: Beijing Art and Craft Publisher, 2015, p. 33.

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