A representative work in Chua Ek Kay’s series of lotus ponds, the flowers are reduced to the broken branches and dried leaves of late autumn. The artist explored the spiritual essence in a minimal style with flattened compositions, purely abstract forms, and expressive lines. As if some gibberish recorded in illegible calligraphy, it is executed with agitated and forceful brushwork. With only essence remaining, this painting conceptually illuminates the vitality of the lotuses.

© Estate of Chua Ek Kay, photo: Maurice Aeschimann, Geneva