Liwu River originates between the central mountains of Taiwan, Mt. Qilai North Peak and Mt. Hehuan. The approximately 1000 meter-wide gap of Taroko Gorge was formed by erosion of the river. Liwu River (2009) presents a universe with thick black ink and a blurred haze, providing people with the clammy and quiet sensations common to a gorge. And, the artist attempts to express through material, permeation, and wash techniques to create an ink painting that blends impressionist and abstract sensations. From the onset, the artist had intended to recreate the textures of a marble cliff. At the bottom of the painting, there are light lines of ink that create a layout of the image. The seepage effects created by the absorbent canvas makes the brushstrokes appear both dense yet sparse, resulting in a gradient of various tones of grey. Towards the middle there is the image of a cliff presented through jagged and cascading brush strokes. Clearly the artist’s instincts were aroused during this creative process. A square seal along with a naturally consistent form of cursive calligraphy extends towards the very top of the solemn yet obscure painting. In addition to the overall structure and lines, the artist utilizes the weight of ink and the dying process to gradually materialize the texture and atmosphere of the canyon. In particular, he makes use of the before and after contrast between whitewash and ore toner. Or, after being washed in water and dyed in whitewash, the stone surfaces and river mouth are materialized through the brush, and transcend the possible expressions of traditional paper media.

In 2004, Mr. Lee created the work, Sparkling Water of Liwu River, in which he used Japanese red hemp paper to represent Taroko Gorge’s Zhuilu Cliff. Conveying the sense of mystery invoked by the rocks and cliffs, this work serves as an accurate depiction of nature itself. Compared to his other works, this painting was created with confident and bold brushstrokes. Ink is used to recreate nature onto canvas through a form composed of lines, layers, and compositions. It is an image of nature, an abstract simulation, that leads to a transcendence of the true self.

*image (left)
© Lee Yi-Hong 

Courtesy of Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts, Taipei National University of the Arts