Ji(Rooster)

100*120cm, 2023

The oil painting showcases a fascinating fusion of Western color composition and the imagery of the Rooster, which is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Niu has employed a bold and expressive color palette that is characteristic of Western art traditions, with evident confidence in the use of contrasting hues and tones to create a dynamic visual impact. The rooster's form is abstracted, with shapes and lines suggesting its features and posture in a non-literal interpretation. The use of swirling lines and fragmented shapes is reminiscent of cubist influences, where objects are broken up, analyzed, and re-assembled in an abstract form. The rooster's iconic crest, beak, and feathers are suggested through energetic strokes and vibrant colors, capturing the essence of the animal's spirited and flamboyant nature. Colors such as deep blues, bright reds, and yellows contribute to the painting's energetic feel, which aligns with the rooster's symbolism of awakening, courage, and honesty in Chinese culture.

These colors also carry a visual weight in Western art, often associated with passion, energy, and creativity, thus creating a cross-cultural dialogue within the piece. The painting's background and negative spaces are equally active, with color and form interacting in a way that suggests depth and movement. This technique may speak to the concept of 'qi' (气), the flowing vital energy in traditional Chinese thought, permeating the composition and bringing life to the abstract depiction.

Overall, this artwork is a celebration of cultural harmony and artistic experimentation, blending Eastern and Western aesthetics to create a piece that is both familiar and novel. It's a visual exploration of how different cultural symbols and art methodologies can coexist and enrich each other, resulting in a piece that resonates with global significance.