Expressions 15

100*120cm, 2023

The image displays an abstract painting that actively engages with the process of deconstructing and reconstructing oracle bone script through the use of Western color schemes. The interplay of vibrant, bold colors with the ancient form of Chinese script creates a dynamic tension between tradition and modernity, between the structured formality of ancient writing and the free expression of contemporary abstract painting.

The oracle bone script, which serves as a historical and cultural marker of ancient China, is approached here not as a static element but as a subject of artistic experimentation. Through the process of deconstruction, the artist breaks down the script into its fundamental strokes and shapes, detaching it from its original linguistic context and allowing each mark to stand as an individual element of design. This technique strips the script of its conventional meaning and repurposes it as a purely visual device. In the reconstruction phase, these deconstructed elements are reassembled or overlaid with Western color palettes, which are characterized by their expressive and emotive qualities.

The juxtaposition of intense reds, deep blues, and bright yellows, amongst other colors, lends the painting a sense of energy and vibrancy that is often associated with the Western abstract expressionist movement. This use of color not only revitalizes the script but also reinterprets it, giving it a new life and meaning within the canvas.

Niu's approach results in a richly textured surface that invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between form, color, and meaning. The painting becomes a site of cultural interplay, where the historical gravitas of the oracle bone script interacts with the emotional intensity of Western colorism, prompting reflections on the evolution of symbols and their role in art across time and geography.