Liu Kuo-song is heralded as the pioneer in Taiwan's contemporary ink painting. In the 1960s, he spearheaded the reform of modern Chinese ink painting; for he believed the "ink painting revolution" must implicate innovation and modernization to charter a new course for creation. With ancestral roots in Qingzhou, Shandong, Liu was born into a war-torn era in 1932. He would later move to Taiwan alone, relying dearly on his tenacious love for life and passion for art. During his years in school, he was inspired by notable predecessors, including master ink painters Huang Jun-bi and Puru, watercolorist Ma Pai-sui and renowned oil painters Liao Chi-chun and Chu Teh-chun. Founded on Eastern philosophy and aesthetic tastes, Liu breaks with tradition by using different medium and infusing modern Western techniques in his works. Wildfire (Lot 1) is a piece created in 2006, drawing from Liu's characteristic nature theme-only this time, with fiery red piercing through the visual experience of observers. Liu is adept at producing sublime and magnificent scenes. Blazing flames sweep across the wilderness, presenting a strong impact on visual senses, as if the burning passion of the creator is reaching out to the viewers.