Leoss Plateau 11

300*150cm, 2019

This oil painting employs the principle of complementary colors to represent the topography of the artist's homeland, the Loess Plateau. The vibrant use of color immediately stands out, with the artist opting for a palette that juxtaposes hues directly opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a visual vibrancy and an almost vibrating effect across the canvas, enhancing the dynamism of the scene.

The composition itself is energetic and robust, with bold strokes and thick impasto techniques that give the landscape a three-dimensional, textured quality. The topography of the Loess Plateau is known for its steep hills and deep ravines, which are effectively captured here through the dramatic contrasts of light and dark. The artist has managed to convey the monumental scale and rugged beauty of this terrain with a sense of immediacy and raw energy. In a broader interpretation, the intense colors could symbolize the life and culture that persists in this challenging environment, hinting at the resilient spirit of the people who live there. The use of such a warm spectrum, with reds, oranges, and yellows, may suggest the heat and aridity of the region, as well as the warmth of the community.

The painting goes beyond mere representation; it seems to delve into the emotional and perhaps even spiritual connection the artist feels to their homeland. It is a celebration of nature's power and beauty, as well as a personal testament to the artist's roots and identity. The use of complementary colors is not just a technical choice but also seems to be a metaphorical one, suggesting the complex interplay of opposing forces — aridity versus fertility, harshness versus warmth — that characterizes the Loess Plateau.