A World of Art: Works in Progress--Hung Lui

Hung Lui came of age during the Chinese cultural revolution and was trained as an artist in the Russian Socialist Realist tradition. In 1984 she came to the United States with "$20 and three suitcases," so that she could have the freedom to achieve her artistic goals. Once here, however, she discovered that she was deeply rooted in the Chinese tradition. Viewers see Lui preparing a series of paintings for an exhibition to be held in New York: a show depicting the last emperor and his court (a theme which invites comment on the subjugation of women and problems they face in a patriarchal society). As she works on a study of "Three Fujins" (concubines), Lui discusses various problems she encountered, including getting started (she suggests using big brush strokes to overcome your fear). The program concludes with the exhibition opening, where she basks in a warm reception from the public and realizes brisk sales of her work. Although she enjoys this success, Lui observes that "you can't let sales drive you or you become an object maker." As in previous films in the series (see A World of Art: Bob Viola [VL-1/97]), we follow the work of one artist from "private conception to public reception" and in doing so observe the huge effort and creative problem solving which provide insight and enjoyment of the finished work. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)