Linling Lu unveils 12 new works at The Phillips Collection this month—in vibrant shades we all need during the depths of winter.
Linling Lu, “One Hundred Melodies of Solitude, No.219” (2021, acrylic on canvas), 56 inches in diameter.
Full disclosure: I’ve been a fan of Linling Lu’s (lulinling.net) work for nearly a decade, so the local painter can do no wrong in my book. Her intricate work is at once mesmerizing and calming, and she’s so prolific that I often think she must create her masterpieces throughout the night.
For those who share my affection for Lu’s paintings, it’s always a treat to see her work in galleries. Her circular canvases, or tondos, range in size from a hubcap to massive, pulsating works that also grace many important homes and buildings in the Washington area.
Linling Lu’s work at The Phillips Collection includes 12 new pieces.
Twelve pieces from the artist are part of Soundwaves, which engages with the music of Philip Glass. Lu translates the repetitive notes and chords from Glass’ music and brings them to life in a physical space. Seven of Lu’s paintings on the left side of the gallery represent the notes played on the piano by the left hand, and the five of her paintings on the right side of the gallery represent those notes played by the right hand. Each painting becomes an instrument to convey the poetry to sound.
“One Hundred Melodies of Solitude, No.99” (2020, acrylic on canvas), 93 inches in diameter
I checked in with Lu at her studio and learned more about her inspiration for what promises to be one of the most anticipated shows of the winter.
How do you continue to evolve as an artist? I believe in being truthful through continuous, intensive studio practice and independent thinking. The transmission and communication of art is by chance; consistency and diversity can increase these chances for artists’ work to develop.
Hardworking artists are like gardeners, sowing and growing plants in their gardens. Various species’ coexistence can create multiple angles of viewing the world. It supports a whole body of work to grow and benefit an artists’ career. Besides paintings, I spent a decade exploring the possibilities of creating mixed-media works with found textiles and objects. The two ongoing series, Passage of Time and Agitated Meditation, have produced more than 70 pieces of works so far. A 67-inch-diameter piece, “Agitated Meditation No.12,” is included in the landmark installation, Across Asia: Art from Asia and Islamic World, at The Walters Art Museum (thewalters.org) in Baltimore. The exhibition will open on April 23.
What are a few things you’re excited for patrons to see in your work for The Phillips Collection show? We’ve come to a point where many inspirations from different ages are reconnecting, regrowing and reactivating. It’s a great honor for me to participate in the Intersections project at The Phillips Collection and create a painting installation to echo “Etude No. 16” by the great American composer Philip Glass, which had been performed by Timo Andres at the museum in 2015.
The installation includes 12 paintings from One Hundred Melodies of Solitude, ranging from 46 to 93 inches diameter. In this special arrangement, the emotions of music are carried through the colors of paintings. Each painting becomes an instrument and a source of sound that materializes the poetic quality of music. Live music at Phillips Collection has been a long tradition, and I’m excited for patrons to see how a painting installation borrows notes and chords from Glass’ music and plant them into a physical space where the music had been played.
Please share with me a little about the meaning of the title of the show. The title of the show, Soundwaves, was created by Dr. Vesela Sretenovic at The Phillips Collection during our discussion for the show. It presents the music quality of the paintings, implies the inspirations behind the installation, and suggests the aspiration of introspection and contemplation of the works to be shared with the audience—for the patrons to experience art and music deeply. Feb. 9-April 30, 1600 21st St. NW, 202.387.2151, phillipscollection.org
Photography by: COURTESY OF LINLING LU
