Collection: David Paul Chun
David Paul Chun (born 1947, Newton-le-Willows, England) is an artist whose practice intersects contemporary abstraction with historical Asian art traditions. Trained in the United Kingdom, his work engages with Ming dynasty (1368–1644) painting techniques, particularly in ink and gouache, while incorporating modernist compositional strategies. Chun’s oeuvre reflects a sustained dialogue with Chinese literati aesthetics, evident in his reinterpretations of classical motifs and calligraphic linework.
Chun’s paintings often juxtapose organic forms, such as lotuses and pavilions, with geometric abstraction, as seen in "Aggregation10-SE032RED" (2010). His Ming dynasty-inspired works, including "Pavilion of Eight Poems" (1538, reimagined in contemporary contexts), employ layered washes and delicate brushwork to evoke spatial depth.
The tension between tradition and innovation is further explored in "Beijing 2008" (ca. 2005), where urban modernity is filtered through a symbolic, almost allegorical lens. His recent series, "Ke Ala O Ka Mahina" (2024), extends this inquiry into celestial and terrestrial dualities.
