Early Life and Artistic Training
Born in Dihua Street, Taiwan, Lu, Gi-Zen was originally known as Xu Sheng-ji. Following his family's move to Xiamen, he received his initial artistic enlightenment from Wang Yi-yun at the Xiamen Painting Academy. Seeking further study, he traveled to Kobe, Japan, in 1931, where he studied Western painting at the Shinko Western Painting Institute under Asaji Imai. He later moved to Tokyo, studying at the Sketch Institute and the Independent Art Institute. During his time in Tokyo, he practiced figure sketching, landscape, and portraiture, developing a solid foundation in drawing.
In 1936, Lu participated in the first exhibition of the Japan Independent Artists Association in Kobe. His early work included subjects such as:
Career and Mountain Landscapes
After returning to Taiwan in 1946, Lu became an active participant in various art exhibitions. He was a founding member of the Qingyun Art Association, a group established in 1948 that promoted art through exhibitions and outdoor sketching sessions. Throughout his career, he also served as an instructor, teaching drawing at the National Taiwan Art Institute.
Lu became widely recognized as a mountain painter. He frequently traveled to Taiwan's high mountains to create works, often accompanied by friends or indigenous guides. His technique involved the use of a palette knife to express mountain scenery. His notable works include:
