The theme of this year's painting clearly states one - the makeup of desire. People's various desires are wrapped under various makeups. Desires are the intertwining of happiness and pain in life. Either straightforward or subtle, they will appear in makeup, forming a profound look of an era.
Inches: 15.7 x 15.7 in
Size without the frame: 40 x 40 cm
Country: China
Date: 2025
Materials: Oil painting on board
Condition: well preserved
Creative themes and style | My works revolve around the creative concept of "The land of humanity, and the people upon it" . The people in the painting are people in nature, and the lines, shapes, and colors are close to nature. The nature in the painting is nature in the eyes of humans, existing in interaction with humans.I don’t pursue a series of works with a fixed and continuous style. I hope that the style of the pictures will synchronize with the changes in my life and always remain oscillating. The performance of the work must be in sync with the development of one's own life in order to be Sincere and powerful.Ideas are later.
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Artwork Interpretation
Wild Things 1 presents a creature wandering in a field of layered blues, balancing between tranquil vastness and subtle unease. The image suggests both serenity and disquiet, inviting the viewer to reflect on wilderness as an inner metaphor. Below is a detailed interpretation from multiple perspectives:
Subject: A semi-symbolic fable of the wild. The title and figure imply “wildness” and “otherness.” Rather than naturalistic depiction, the animal functions as a symbol of emotion and identity, resembling a wanderer in a dreamlike terrain.
Form: A hybrid outline. The creature is not tied to any specific species. Its elongated torso, slightly curling tail, and simplified limbs combine to create an image that is both animal-like and totemic, embodying an allegorical, humanized presence.
Composition: Low horizon and expansive negative space. The horizon line is placed in the upper third, leaving a vast “blue field.” This isolates the figure, making it appear suspended or walking across water, heightening the sense of ambiguity.
Color: Predominantly cool blues, accented with warm ochres. The palette revolves around cobalt and ultramarine tones, while ochre and rusty reds appear in short, emphatic strokes on the body. These warm accents break the calm surface, functioning as both focal points and emotional traces.
Brushwork: Visible strokes with defined contours. The background consists of thin washes and horizontal streaks, while the animal is outlined more firmly. This creates a balance between spontaneity and intentional stylization, where gesture meets schematic form.
Content and Theme: The paradox of wandering and belonging. What seems a tranquil setting is actually a metaphor for displacement, searching, and uncertain existence. The animal embodies both subject and allegorical vehicle.
Mood and Emotion: Calm with hidden tension. While the dominance of blue evokes serenity, the touches of ochre and the ambiguous stride suggest an unresolved journey, pulling the viewer between comfort and unease.
Material and Scale: The intimacy of a small format. At 40x40cm, the square format invites close viewing. It functions as a personal piece, well-suited for intimate settings such as home collections or small-scale exhibitions.
Similar Works Reference
Franz Marc’s Blue Horse — Animals as spiritual symbols, projecting emotion through color.
Paul Klee’s animal drawings — Conceptualized forms with allegorical qualities.
Mark Rothko’s color-field paintings — Large monochrome fields creating immersive emotional atmospheres.
Henri Rousseau’s The Dream — Narrative use of simplified figures in surreal landscapes.
Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are — Imaginative creatures as symbols of the subconscious and childhood fable.
Together, these references highlight how Wild Things 1 situates itself within a lineage of modern and contemporary works where animals transcend naturalism to become metaphors for spirit, dream, and emotional terrain.
Q1: How does the painting create depth using blue tones?
A1: The artist applies multiple layers of thin paint, mixing cooler ultramarines with greenish-blue highlights near the “ground.” In contrast, the horizon is softened with deep blue and faint pink bands, producing a visual effect that is simultaneously flat and spatial.
Q2: What is the significance of the curved tail and leg shapes?
A2: The inward-curving tail and angular limbs resemble signs or pictographs. They suggest movement while functioning like symbolic glyphs, reinforcing the animal’s allegorical purpose—it is at once a living body and an emblem.
Q3: Why does the figure appear to walk on water or a reflective surface?
A3: The closeness of sky and ground tones, combined with a low, blurred horizon, creates an ambiguous setting. Lighter strokes beneath the figure resemble reflections, evoking a dreamlike “threshold space” between land and water.
Q4: In what contexts would this painting be most suitable for display, and what is its value as a collectible?
A4: With its moderate size and contemporary visual language, it is highly suitable for modern interiors, boutique offices, or small gallery shows. As a small-format contemporary painting, it strikes a balance between decorative appeal and narrative depth. For collectors, it offers an accessible entry point into contemporary art with both display potential and secondary-market promise.
Q5: From a contemporary art collection standpoint, what makes this 40x40cm oil painting attractive?
A5: As a contemporary oil painting in small format, it meets the demand for versatility—easy to install, preserve, and exhibit in apartments, themed shows, or gallery debuts. If the artist continues to build a professional trajectory, the rarity of such works, combined with their distinct subject matter and narrative quality, enhances both their aesthetic and collectible value. Collectors should consider the artist’s exhibition record, professional visibility, and potential circulation in the art market as key factors in evaluating its long-term worth.
What should I pay attention to when buying an artwork or its derivatives?
A: Click here to view ARTPHILOSO's Guide for Collectors.
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