Selected Works in Collection

About the Abstract Art Collection

Many artworks in the museum’s abstract art collection belong to the Weiyin style, with bright, audacious, and splendid colors that depict a space beyond the mundane world. For example, in Seen at Yellowstone National Park (not currently on view), the colors are graceful and natural, resembling traces left behind by the vicissitudes of nature. The charm and allure of the beautiful color contrast are born from the painting’s sense of motion. Lovely colors of pearl, emerald, agate, coral, aged jade, earthen yellow, beeswax, and giant clamshell join together in harmony. The natural combination of colors brings about the enjoyment of aesthetic pleasure. 

Though the Weiyin style abstract paintings are static, they convey a strong sense of rhythm and motion. For example, in Heavenly Treasures in Motion, the bold colors are bright yet sedate, the curves are like planets revolving and rotating in the universe. One is left with the impression that transformations are constantly occurring, producing objects of various forms, such as dragons, phoenixes, water, and fire. The blending of light and darkness creates an interesting sense. Any part of this painting, when enlarged in isolation, is a beautiful work in and of itself.