“China”
One-Man Show of Francis Wu
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| Francis Wu |
Once again, the Photographic Society of C.P. & Berar has come to the aid of the art hungry in the capital. For the first time in India, it arranged a three-day one-man show of the photographic works of Francis Wu (Hong Kong), China sponsored by Pictorial Photographers, India and 1940 Portfolio Circle.
“China” – the one-man show of Francis Wu, a collection of 51 pieces of rare camera work, is on exhibition at the C.P. Camera House from today and will come to an end on Friday. Streams of visitors are seeing exhibition and the only comment they have is “Excellent and Superb”
It appears that when doing his work Francis Wu aimed at validity in both science and art. The reason why this works are so moving is that in each piece he has unmistakably depicted a person, a character and a personality rather than stiff and empty generalized “type”. It is this intensity real and human quality in the figures with which the viewer instantly feels a bond, transcending all differences in superficialities In this respect he can be favorably compared with Malvina Hoffman, the famed American sculptor who conceived, arranged and executed the figures of men of different races and countries.
WU’S PERSONALITY
These 51 prints reflect Wu’s own personality and taste of art in photography. By means of photography he expresses his imagination of simplicity in nature and life for that reason the subjects which he selects are simple, and compositioning is also simple in lines an construction. By this method the point of interest in the pictures stands out without making the viewer’s eye to wander about for a resting spot. Each of these pictures is composed with one idea and that idea is carried out throughout the pictures according to its mood, scene or character study, which must correspond with the title.
Most of these pieces, I must say, are typical of China, others in the style of America but all of them definitely bearing the hallmark of Wu who holds the honor of holding high the flag of pictorial photogpahy in China.
The predominance of water-scapes is accounted for by the fact that Mr. Wu is the founder of a very active group known as the “6:20” club, consisting of members who are in the habit of collecting at the quay-side of the island before 6:20am every Sunday morning in order to catch the first ferry boat to the mainland. Camera click freely during these outings and naturally many seascapes result. Let us hear what Wu himself has to say about this club now.
“Because of the present situation most of the members have more or less dropped the outings and limit themselves to indoors work. But a few like myself are still carrying on the work until we are absolutely forbidden to do so”
This intensity and sincerity of Wu is clearly brought out in his pictures. The general technique of Wu is very significant. He spotlights, as I have said, the subject interest while subduing the background, and this is where he excels. He also is at his best in superimposition. One word must also be said about his selection of subject, they are in a nutshell, “the best”
THE PIECES
I would call the “Dry Tears” as his best. This is a piece, which is indeed rare. It is difficult to see a livelier photograph. The palsied hand on his wrinkled forehead, his shining drooping teeth and the blind eyes closed in an agony which is inexpressible – all speak of the ace talent that Wu is.
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| Dry Tears By Francis Wu |
“Lines Of Experience” is another specimen of Wu’s unchallengeable ability in bringing into bold relief, the wrinkles that identify the age behind the subject. “Smoke Dreams” is still another masterpiece. Here you feel as if the dreams of the subject are coiled and interlocked with the never-ending stream of smoke of the small cigarette end. “The Morning Mist” shows the silvery envelope of morning mist slowing coming down on the gray mountains like the veils of the blushing bride with a lemon sky at the background.
The sweating face of the old Chinese in “Old Vann” is also something very beautiful. “Cathy Maiden” brings you before a Chinese blonde. The youthful grace of the girl is what Wu puts before you. “Silver Lining” showing two defiant buffaloes between two trees is also another piece that attracts your attention.
“Lines Of Experience”. “The Pagoda”, “A Child’s Dream”, “Poison”, “Going My Way”, “Old Butt Delicious” and “Bamboo Pipe”. The latter showing the favorite opium tube, all tell a story that is unforgettable.
In conclusion, I can only say that Wu’s pictures are something, which you feel, which you want to feel. These pictures are almost irresistible. You can’t ignore them. We will see that you don’t. He gives you something, which once seen you will never forget, something, which you will like to think over and treasure as a sweet memory.
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| Lines Of Experience By Francis Wu |
