SHUICAI NIU

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Leoss Plateau 7

300*150cm, 2018

The artwork here portrays a post-snow landscape of the loess plateau in Shanxi, but this time the artist seems to have adopted a more calligraphic form to convey the expression.

The lines and shapes within the painting have a fluidity to them as if the brushstrokes are not just delineating the terrain but also chronicling the history and stories of the land. In terms of color usage, there's a more intense and stark contrast present. The juxtaposition of dark and bright hues is pronounced, serving as a visceral representation of the land under the extreme weather conditions of winter.

The dark tones may represent the harsh environment of the loess plateau during the winter season, while the bright tones might signify the reflective light of snow and the awakening of the earth following the snowfall. Visually, this intense contrast of colors, coupled with the complex lines and shapes, creates a sense of chaos and a burst of energy. This sensation might be indicative of the rugged nature of the loess plateau and the lifestyle of its inhabitants – in a constant struggle with nature and the changing tides of time. By combining calligraphic brushstrokes with abstract expression, the artist has created a unique visual language that seems aimed at capturing and conveying not just the visual scene of the loess plateau after snow but also the layers of history and cultural significance imbued in it.

Overall, the piece is a modern reinterpretation of traditional landscape painting elements, encapsulating not just a depiction of scenery but an outpouring of emotion and experience.