Lotus 12

30*30cm, 2023

This oil painting utilizes deconstructed elements of lotus growth, applying a calligraphic form to convey the rhythm of color. The vigorous application of paint creates a rich tapestry of textures, reminiscent of the dynamic growth patterns of the lotus.

Niu has dissected the traditional image of the lotus into its most elemental forms — strokes and splashes of color that represent the essence of the plant rather than its detailed anatomy. The palette is a kaleidoscope of bold and lively colors that capture the vibrancy of the lotus environment. There's a sense of organic movement throughout the canvas, with the colors intertwining and overlapping, much like the lotus leaves and petals in the water. The thick, expressive brushstrokes provide a sense of immediacy and intensity, suggesting the artist's direct and energetic engagement with the subject.

There is an abstract quality to the work, where the representation of the lotus is not literal but rather suggested through the interplay of color and form. This abstraction allows the viewer to engage with the painting on a more instinctual level, encouraging a personal interpretation of the lotus's life cycle and habitat. The painting is a visual symphony, orchestrated through the calligraphic use of paint, which resonates with a sense of life and natural order.

It is a celebration of the lotus, not just as a physical entity but as a living, breathing presence within the ecosystem, captured through the artist's unique vision and dynamic brushwork.