Chinese painting meets Western abstract expression

As the daughter of Yu Chun-chih, an eminent art critic from Taiwan, Yu Lan-ying was introduced to painting at the age of 7. She received personal tutelage from Huang Chun-pi and other famous artists in Taiwan.

Yu held her first solo exhibition in Taiwan in 1964 upon her college graduation and received a full scholarship to further her studies in the US. She studied under American artist Will Barnet from 1968 to 1971.

Later, her works were on display throughout the US at solo and group exhibitions.

"The mysterious deep sea is open for exploration with the increasing popularity of deep sea diving, leading to a new area in modern painting. Yu is a forerunner in this new theme," says Kao May-ching, former professor of fine arts at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Contemporary art critic Pi Daojian remarks: "Yu has perfectly combined traditional Chinese painting's pursuit of poetry and the abstract expression of Western art.

"She skillfully combines the techniques of modern Chinese ink painting, including transfer printing, splashing and water surface marking with traditional brushes.

"Most importantly, Yu expresses in her paintings the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between human beings and nature, which is of great significance in today's materialized world."