Expressionism
“Although Expressionism is a term of Western art, it is by no means a conception novel to Eastern art … Not only is distortion frequently found in Eastern art, but in addition there is adaptation and intricate composition. … Author of Tang DynastyChang Yen Yuan, explains … “The substance and form (of a painting) both have their roots in an established conception.” This clarifies the point that distortions and Expressionism in Chinese painting spring from a preconceived ideas. Later, Ching Hao of the Five Dynasties states: “The element of fascination held within the limits of the painting is unfathomable — its difference from the actual landscape lies rather in its underlying principle whose manifestation relies on the artist’s brush. The fact that Cheong Soo Pieng is able to express himself so basically through the medium of Chinese art without ever having undergone instruction in that field must be due to his having grasped the fundamentals of Expressionism … The highest peak of Expressionism in Chinese painting is considered to be ‘atmosphere and life-likeness’ not just objective portrayal. … This tallies precisely with the artistic ideals of Expressionism.”
P. 40, Ma-Ke, Cheong Soo Pieng exhbition 1956, 001676, RC
