The moving art of Lalan

Through the lens of time

Although the passionate intensity and tonal depths in Lalan's early paintings seem to resonate with the sensibilities of Zao, both Law and Poon insist Lalan's style was distinct from that of her illustrious first husband.

"The early resonances were because of their shared cultural background. Both were from eastern China," says Law. Then "while Zao trained to be a painter, Lalan was completely self-taught."

She goes on to add that Lalan's works are often marked by rhythm and a thematic unity while Zou's have more to do with abstract expressionism.

Since the last 20 years or so, Lalan is no longer a stranger to collectors of 20th-century Chinese art. Her stock rose after the likes of Shanghai Art Museum (now China Art Museum) and Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris started collecting her works. Two years back Sotheby's Hong Kong dedicated an auction exclusively to Lalan.