Leoss Plateau 13
200*220cm, 2019
This canvas presented is a vibrant interplay of the abstract and the representational, a common theme in modern art that seeks to blend the recognizable with the nonobjective to elicit a more profound emotional response from the viewer.
In this artwork, Niu has chosen a predominantly red palette, which could be seen as a bold statement, evoking strong emotions such as passion, vigor, or even aggression. Red, with its various hues spread across the canvas, leads the viewer's eye and shapes the overall direction of the piece. The integration of landscape elements within an abstract framework suggests a modern interpretation of traditional landscape painting. The textures and layers of paint create a dynamic surface, inviting contemplation of the natural world through a lens that is visceral and immediate.
The use of mixed media, implied by the term "综合材料" (comprehensive materials), further enhances the textural quality of the work, giving it a tactile depth that suggests the uneven and variegated surfaces found in nature. The exploration of the 'mountain-water' (山水) spirit or essence is notable here. 'Shanshui' refers to the Chinese tradition of landscape painting that often embodies philosophical and spiritual ideals. By utilizing this concept in a modern painting, the artist may be bridging the gap between the past and present, inviting reflection on how nature is perceived and represented in a contemporary context. The 'mountain-water' imagery, combined with the experimental textures and bold reds, creates a mysterious, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
This invites viewers to experience the landscape not just visually but emotionally and spiritually, probing beyond the surface to the essence of nature and perhaps even touching on the sublime. Overall, this painting represents a modernist exploration of traditional themes through innovative techniques and a daring color scheme, offering a rich, multi-layered experience that challenges and expands the viewer's perception of landscape art.
