Self Portrait Dated 1926 Oils on board, 33.3 x 24.2 cm From a Liao Family Collection

This is the earliest surviving painting by Liao Chi-chun and was done as a student at the Tokyo Academy of Fine Arts (now Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music). At that time, all painting students had to do a self portrait before graduating. Consequently, the school has amassed a large collection of self portraits by alumni from all over Asia, with many of them having gone on to become major artists. Depicting oneself also apparently was a trend, for it was especially popular in Western art during the 1920s and 30s. This work is not very large, showing Liao frontally only from the neck up. Comparing this to a photo of the artist from that period, you can judge for yourself if there is really a similarity. Indeed, the essence of the painter comes quite close. Worthy of closer study here is Liao's painting methods. For example, the dark background was customary for many portraits of the time. The strong lighting appears focused on the face and shines directly from above, bringing out the facial features against the shadows. Liao used rough brushwork that looks freely applied without having been retouched. Despite the broad rendering, Liao was still able to convey the details and spirit. The pensive expression and brooding lips both reflect the straightforward and simple manner of the artist. Even at this early stage in Liao's career, he does not show a penchant for Realism but instead the influence of Post-Impressionist trends.