Yu Chengyao
1898–1993
First Look
Masses of short brushstrokes in shades of yellow, green, and blue define a landscape of peaks and ravines. Unpainted paper suggests water coursing down a slope and a mountain lake below, while a narrow path into the scene makes this majesty approachable. In his inscription the artist recalls the refreshing breezes at Huangshi (Yellow Stone), a site on the Yangzi River.
Tradition
Traditional Chinese paintings often encourage the viewer to create a visual pathway along waterways and through mountain passes, discovering huts or villages along the way. Inspired by his travels in China, the artist visually captures this sense of journey.
Redefined
Self-taught, Yu invented his distinctive style of brushwork. He was educated in Japan and pursued a military career, attaining the rank of general in the Chinese army. He fought in the war with Japan (1937-45), and while in the army traveled widely in mainland China. In 1949 he moved to Taiwan, in his mid-fifties, he began to paint.