30*30cm, 2023

This oil painting leans towards realism, particularly in its portrayal of the main branches, which are rendered with a degree of fidelity to their actual appearance.

These branches are set in stark contrast to the leaves, which are depicted more abstractly, imbuing the piece with a unique characteristic. Niu's technique showcases a skillful juxtaposition of representational and abstract elements within a single composition. The branches are detailed, with attention to the play of light and shadow, suggesting a tangible and sturdy presence.

This attention to realism in the branches anchors the viewer in the familiar. In contrast, the leaves are treated with a looser, more expressive approach. They appear to be less concerned with precise depiction than with capturing an impression or essence. The use of color for the leaves is vibrant and less constrained, possibly to convey the ephemeral and ever-changing nature of foliage as it responds to light and the environment.

The textural quality of the painting is rich, with the impasto technique bringing both the branches and leaves to life. The thick application of paint adds a three-dimensional quality to the piece, allowing the viewer to feel the depth and physicality of the subject. This interplay of realism and abstraction invites the viewer to consider the duality of perception—the clear and the obscure, the tangible and the suggestive. It also speaks to the idea that our understanding of the natural world is both concrete and interpretive; we recognize the literal structure of the branches while also experiencing the more transient beauty of the leaves.

The distinctive feature of this painting lies in this balance, offering a visual experience that is grounded in the reality of the branches but is also elevated into the realm of sensation and impression through the treatment of the leaves. It is a testament to the complexity of nature and the varied ways in which we perceive and represent it in art.