Lotus 8
30*30cm, 2023
This oil painting is a rich tapestry of vigorous brushwork and a bold color palette, which together create a lively and abstract representation of a natural scene, possibly a lotus pond.
Niu has employed a mix of swift, sweeping motions and finer details to construct a composition that is full of energy and movement. The canvas is dominated by strokes of green, suggesting the lush foliage of lotus leaves, while pops of pink and red emerge like lotus flowers in bloom. The interplay of colors and textures seems to capture the chaotic yet harmonious life of a pond ecosystem, where elements intertwine and coexist dynamically.
The use of impasto is evident, giving the painting a sculptural feel that adds depth and dimensionality. The layers of paint not only build up the physical texture but also add to the visual complexity of the work, inviting viewers to explore the surface with their eyes and imagine the tactile sensations. Abstracted forms and lines suggest the natural architecture of stems, leaves, and water, while the variety of colors and the way they are applied evoke the vibrant and ever-changing environment of the pond.
This piece is an energetic and intuitive response to the natural world, offering an interpretation that is as much about the emotional experience of the scene as it is about its visual qualities.