Following a group exhibition with other artists from China at the National Gallery, a series of works by promising Chinese photographer Lu Jun will be staged with new pieces at La Lanta Fine Art next week.

‘Lone Orchid in the Valley’

Lu's art is inspired by traditional Chinese landscape painting. His "digital ink" technique captures the movement of ink in water then, through digital manipulation, he carefully gathers strands from each image which is weaved into a new form. Through this process, the ink becomes both the subject and the medium.

A recipient of the Gold Prize in Photography at the 2009 Florence Biennale, Lu's genre-blending technique has earned him recognition in the global art scene.

Before his first solo exhibition in Bangkok, "How Far From Us", Lu Jun shared some thoughts about his upcoming exhibition with Life.

Lu Jun

What is the idea behind 'How Far From Us'?

Looking at the small images (printed and web version) of my "Digital Ink" series, they resemble the same spirit as Chinese traditional water and ink paintings. However, looking at the original pieces, you will find it is actually quite different. Under the familiar traditional aesthetic lies a sense of strangeness, stimulating your curiosity. The free flowing lines and the extraordinary shapes are certainly not created by traditional technique.

I hope people will find their way to the exhibition in the National Gallery. More of my works will be exhibited in La Lanta Fine Art gallery on May 21.

Tell us more about your technique and how you produce your works for this exhibition?

The core concept of my works is to redefine Chinese traditional culture and the essence of ink and water with digital technology. By photography and digitalisation, I elaborate the Taoist philosophy: "Tao created the law of nature, which was one; the law of nature created yin and yang, based on which everything in the world can be generated, which were two; one plus two equals three, which constitutes everything in the world." Another one is, "Everything on Earth is generated by being, and being comes from nothingness."

A drop of ink can naturally illustrate the doctrine of Taoism, which I adopted to guide me in my works. I think it is from abstract to representation, and the image, particularly of ink and water, can be visualised. The ink dropped in water is abstract and nil, but it can be utilised to express my ideas freely between actual and virtual. It was realistic photography and virtual digitalisation that led me to this new genre in which I hope to continue exploring the possibilities of the time-honoured ink and water painting heritage with contemporary vitality.

What kind of subject matter attracts you the most as a photographer?

After creating art for 20 years, I rarely resort to the usual methods photographers use for treating their subject matter. The creative process of composing the overall work is much more substantial than the physical act of photographing individual elements.

I usually find deep feelings that need to find release, so I forge a landscape or other device. The camera is just a recording tool. The resulting image is far from reality but close to the heart.

‘Waiting a Thousand Years’

Do you think computers have changed the way artists work?

I think computer technology has changed part of artists' working methods, and it will surely influence more. In the meantime, computer technology is changing artists' and the public's viewing methods and their aesthetic standards.

The popularity of American digital 3D films is a good example. I think in the near future, technology will be able to trace our dreams and resurrect them. By that time, the people who can dream best, instead of who can draw best, will be great artists.

As a Chinese artist, could you share with Thai audiences what is happening in China's art scene today?

Yes, of course. Art is the reflection of the soul, which is universal. For example, this is my first time in Bangkok. I found a lot of similarities with Guangzhou, a place very familiar to me. The urbanisation challenges both cities face is similar as well. I'm sure friends in Thailand can share the same spiritual experience with us.

Your pieces are very abstract. Does it take you a long time to name each work, or do you need others to help you name them?

I don't spend a lot time naming them. It takes me a long time to create a piece. I will initially decide the name of the piece during the creation process. Sometimes my wife will also give me good suggestions in naming the works.

What are you working on now?

I'm currently deepening the existing series, and exploring more possibilities of "Digital Ink", discovering a broad unknown area about it. My new direction will be related to Chinese characters. I think it will be shown in Thailand as well. I hope to see you again at that time.

"How Far From Us" by Chinese photographer Lu Jun will be exhibited at La Lanta Fine Art, Sukhumvit Soi 23, from May 21-June 29.