Expressions 13

100*120cm, 2023

The oil painting is a vividly expressive abstract work that reflects the artist's experiences and impressions from childhood during the Cultural Revolution. The incorporation of calligraphy into the composition is significant, as, during that era in China, calligraphy was omnipresent, especially in the form of large-character posters (dazibao) and various slogans, which were a common sight on the streets and plastered across public spaces.

The color blocks in the painting are intense and pronounced, displaying bold contrasts and rich textures. These blocks intertwine with calligraphic lines to create a sense of visual dynamism and tension, narrating the chaos and intense emotions of the time. The collision and overlaying of color blocks symbolize the clash of ideologies and the omnipresence of political slogans during the Cultural Revolution, while their amalgamation expresses the complex social phenomena and personal inner experiences.

Niu has used this mixed-media approach to convey personal memories and reflections of that particular period. In this work, we witness a direct outpouring of emotion as well as a critical contemplation of the past. Through such a visual language, the artist not only records history but also conveys personal feelings and judgments about that historical period. In summary, the painting is an abstract representation of the artist's childhood memories, as well as an artistic expression of the cultural phenomena of the Cultural Revolution.

By combining color blocks with calligraphy, the artist constructs a multi-layered visual narrative that serves not only as a historical record but also as a vessel for emotion and thought.