“Labran, A”, 2002

James Brown

“Labran, A”, 2002

A diptych etching printed in burnt sienna ink on cream Arches BFK Rives paper (edition of 6).

Size: (each of the two plate) 27.1 x 30 cm; (diptych) 27.1 x 60 cm

This diptych etching is part of a series I created in the studio following a transformative trip to Labran—a remote monastery village nestled in the Gansu province of Western China—accompanied by Professors Kim Song Yeol and Cheng Xiangjun in 2001.

This journey, along with the subsequent exhibition titled "Harmony," showcased in the West Exhibition Hall—formerly the treasury of the Forbidden City in Beijing—marked a significant milestone in my artistic life. The experience was not only a remarkable adventure, but also a profound privilege. I was even fortunate enough to be interviewed by China National Television, with my name displayed on a large banner above the gallery to promote the exhibition. However, amidst this excitement, I was confronted with the humbling realisation of my own artistic limitations in comparison to my esteemed companions. I vividly recall the moment I was given a paintbrush to write my name in an elegant script, hoping to emulate the masterful strokes of Professors Kim and Cheng. To my dismay, my attempt was far from satisfactory. Thankfully, the brush was swiftly taken from me "for improvements," and I was in awe of the skill with which they recrafted my name into something visually pleasing. Their mastery left a lasting impression on me.

As for this etching, it was inspired by the terraced hills I observed near Labran. Technically, it employs a linoleum plate, beeswax as the ground, and caustic soda as the mordant to create the etched lines. I am particularly fond of this technique, as it produces bold lines while the softness of the wax ground allows for textured surfaces to be pressed into the plate, reminiscent of the soft ground used in metal etching.