Nanyang, rich in Chinese, Indian, and Islamic cultures, became a melting pot where these traditions interacted, often influenced by Western colonial art trends. As the Chinese population grew and independent nations emerged post-war, Nanyang Chinese sought to affirm their identity. Art became a powerful medium for asserting their cultural presence and status in the region, marking the evolution of Nanyang Arts as a unique blend of local and traditional influences.

< II >

Chen Sun was born in a scholarly family in Nanyang. Although he was living in a foreign land, he was raised in an environment full of traditional Chinese culture. Chen Sun eventually furthered his studies in NAFA led by Lim Hak Tai and mastered the skills and aesthetics of traditional Chinese ink painting later in life. However, in his generation, the connection of Nanyang Chinese artists between mainland China was broken due to political disturbances. As a result, the community of Nanyang Chinese could only obtain their inspiration and ideas of traditional Chinese culture through smaller regions like Taiwan and Hong Kong. These were the circumstances when Chen Sun founded and led the Contemporary Ink Painting Alliance in Taiwan.  

The reason Chinese painting emphasizes on ink can be traced back to the tradition of Chinese calligraphy. Wang Wei, a prominent figure of the Tang dynasty, believed that ink painting held the highest artistic value. Even though Han Gan's famous work “Night-Shining White” (F3) shows influences from ancient Persian techniques, it remains a striking example of the beauty achieved through the use of ink, light, and shadows. Both Han Gan and Wang Wei, who were contemporaries, shared a common approach to ink painting, reinforcing Wang Wei's philosophy. Over time, ink painting evolved through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties into the celebrated "Peak of Literati Painting." However, traditional ink painting skills and aesthetics have gradually diminished, a point lamented by Huang Binhong, who remarked that later paintings, especially after the Song dynasty, became diluted—like water mixed into wine. Despite the survival of ink paintings into the modern era, they have faced challenges, especially after the New Culture Movement, which further impacted their integrity.

Mr. Chung Chen Sun, a modern artist, maintains a deep connection to traditional Chinese painting. His early works, which incorporate traditional techniques, reflect his exploration of both Chinese art and multicultural influences. Chen Sun’s art also often portrays tropical sceneries, such as “Orchids” (F4) and “Coconut trees” (F5) from the Nanyang region, reflecting his view that the first generation of Nanyang artists broke new ground through artistic exchange and engagement with tropical themes. For a period, Chen Sun focused on character painting, blending traditional methods with innovative compositions. His artwork, such as “Travel Thousands of Miles and Read Thousands of Books” (F6), features vivid depictions of energetic figures, expressing both traditional technique and a modern vitality that resonates with personal experiences. While Chen Sun’s art follows the traditions established by earlier masters, including Ba Da Shan Ren, his distinctive style is marked by simple, yet precise brushwork. His use of dynamic, twisting strokes and subtle color rendering based on the nature of the subject demonstrates his technical skill. The refined brushwork in his works elevates them to the level of top-tier Chinese ink painting, positioning him as a master among contemporary Chinese artists.