Standing Alone Amidst Mountains, Xia Yifu

Exhibition Label:
“An Elegant Gathering: Selections from the Collection Honoring Dr. and Mrs. Li,” Feb-2009, Kris Ercums
Xia had planned to study at the National College of Art at Hangzhou; however with the outbreak of full civil war between the Chinese Communist Party and the Nationalists (KMT) following the end of World War II, he was forced to join the Nationalist Army, which eventually retreated to Taiwan in 1949. It was not until much later in life following retirement from a design career in 1978 that Xia returned to painting. Many of his works utilize a more intimate album format, allowing for close observation of detail. Though small in size, his landscapes are full of unexpected details and careful delineation.

Archive Label 2003:
Xia Yifu was admitted to the Hangzhou Fine Arts Academy, the best fine arts school in south China, but his studies were blocked by the outbreak of civil war. In 1949 he left for Taiwan and engaged in various kinds of business, all of which related to art and design. Xia Yifu started his career as a painter in 1978. Although already in his fifties, his early interest in art and training in design had provided him with sufficient knowledge and skill to become a serious artist. In 1988 he won a major award in Taiwan.
Most of Xia Yifu's works are done in the small size album format. This format allows the viewer to observe closely the artist's carefully detiled work. He not only designs the covers of his albums, but mounts the works by himself. Due to his meticulous style and the time-consuming procedure of mounting, Xia has produced very few works.
"To see the large through the small" is one of the primary aspects of viewing Chinese landscape painting. Though small in size, Xia Yifu's landscapes are full of unexpected details and careful delineation. Reinforced by busy texturing strokes and highlighted areas, his shimmering rocks often create a hauntingly surreal landscape.