Metamorphosis of the Sun 42

In 1966, Liu Kuo-sung left Taiwan to tour the United States and other countries for two years. During his time in the United States, he encountered new modes of expression in the international artistic arena such as Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, Hard Edge and Colour Field painting – experiences which propelled Liu Kuo-sung’s art into new directions. Deeply moved by the photographs of Earth in space taken by astronauts on the Apollo 8 space mission, Liu began his Space series in 1968. It was a time when minimalistic geometric forms suggestive of celestial bodies had started to emerge in Liu’s art, as well as bold techniques such as collage, which is perhaps influenced by hard-edge abstraction. Executed in 1969, Metamorphosis of the Sun 42 depicts the solar sphere spray-painted in metallic purple, with the landmasses and oceans of Earth represented by broad, calligraphic brushstrokes in the lower register; layers of soft, colour gradients suggest the atmosphere connecting Earth and the universe. Between colours hard and soft, surfaces smooth and textured, Liu Kuo-sung creates a cosmic view that is serene and yet full of mystery.