Blossoming Plum

Although covered with fresh blossoms, this plum tree’s gnarled branches present a disquieting take on the theme of rebirth in springtime. Painted with strong tonal contrast and agitated brushwork, the twisted trunk appears to have survived many injuries. The tiny blossoms, painted with a dry brush, seem to vibrate with their own energy.

The inscription, taken from a poem by the 9th century Buddhist master Huángbò Xīyùn 黄檗希运, reads: "Without undergoing a whole spell of cold that bites into your bones, How can you have the plum blossoms regale you with their piercing fragrance?"

Translated by John C.H. Wu

By selecting this poem and representing the plum tree as contorted and bent, is Liú suggesting that one can only appreciate life after going through times of adversity?