Artist returns home

In the footsteps of the world's great painters, Chu Teh-chun travelled from China to Paris. Forty-five years later he is today far better known in the 'Occident' than the Orient.

But this year the famed abstract artist's work is finally returning home with exhibitions organised by the French Government.

A grand retrospective currently on show at Beijing's Museum of Art is coming to the Hong Kong Museum of Art in September.

'He is one of the most prominent painters from China to settle in Paris and has exhibited in the world's most important museums,' the French cultural attache, Philippe Reliquet, said.

'He blends Chinese and European techniques and we believe it is very important for the Chinese community to see how one of their own artists has combined the influences of East and West.' Chu Teh-chun, 77, is hailed by the art historian and author Pierre Cabanne for his ability to interpret the environment.

'Chu paints the wind, the air, the humidity, the seasons and the light. His way is to mix a vision of violence and serenity, rest and struggle with the rhythm and richness of colour extracted from nature,' Mr Cabanne said.