Grapes 1

200*200cm, 2017

This artwork emphasizes the artistic conception of "Xie Yi", a style in Chinese traditional painting that focuses on capturing the essence and spirit rather than the detailed likeness.

Niu has used a form reminiscent of calligraphy to express the winding and twisting nature of the vines and the abundance of fruit they bear. The brushwork is loose and expressive, allowing the forms to emerge more from the interplay of colors and strokes than from precise outlines. The clusters of grapes are depicted with dabs of color, creating a sense of fullness and variety that speaks to the richness of the harvest.

The colors are vibrant and layered, suggesting depth and the lush environment in which the vines thrive. The composition straddles the line between representation and abstraction, inviting the viewer to appreciate the vitality of the subject through a more sensory and intuitive experience. It's not just a literal depiction of vines and grapes; it's an interpretation that seeks to convey the feeling of growth and the life force of nature.

Overall, this oil painting is a celebration of natural abundance and the beauty of growth, rendered in a style that nods to the traditions of Chinese painting while also being rooted in a contemporary aesthetic.