Expressions 6

100*120cm, 2023

This oil painting presents a captivating synthesis of the spirit of Chinese calligraphy with the chromatic vibrancy of Western art. It speaks to the 'qi yun', often translated as the rhythm or life force that is central to the philosophy of Chinese calligraphy. The notion of 'qi yun' dictates that the energy of the brushwork should enliven the characters and impart a sense of dynamic movement, an intrinsic life energy, to the composition.

In this artwork, we see this principle being engaged with and translated into the language of abstract painting. The strokes in the painting, while not forming legible characters, carry the gestural essence of calligraphy. They are fluid, yet deliberate, suggesting the controlled freedom that a calligrapher employs. The sweeping motions and the variations in brushstroke thickness resonate with the calligraphic tradition of varying pressure and speed to convey emotion and aesthetic force. The palette of greens, from verdant to dark hues, could be seen as a nod to the importance of nature in Eastern aesthetics, where certain colors carry symbolic meanings and are often used to reflect philosophical concepts.

The layering and texturing of the paint, combined with the abstracted suggestion of calligraphic forms, create a dialogue between two worlds: the precise art of Eastern calligraphy and the expressive, emotive power of Western abstract color fields. The fusion of these elements suggests a reverence for the tradition of calligraphy, recognizing its fundamental principles of balance, harmony, and flow.

Simultaneously, Niu employs Western techniques and color theories to expand the visual language and explore new territories of expression. The result is a painting that is a visual meditation on cultural confluence, embodying a fluid exchange between Eastern and Western artistic sensibilities.