Talking Colour/Talking Pattern — Xingnan Sang
Reflection
I did ten portraits of people in a very loose state and integrated clothing and textiles with their body movements. These are my sketches of different people in the street. I don’t realistically depict people, but I add my imagination to them and depict them. It is a kind of expressionism. I throw ink on the paper to express the element of speed, and adding speed to the picture helps me capture a certain literary quality of people in a dynamic world.
For example, in one of my paintings, there is a woman in a colourful fur coat; I used pink and bright yellow, her hair flying, and she exudes a queenly air. But underneath the coat is naked flesh, and she covers her breasts and buttocks only with very fragile ribbons. Was she perhaps more like a whore than a queen? But so what? The sacred and the flirty are one in her, and she does away with any singular definition of female identity through this contrasting way of dressing.
I also painted the artist playing the accordion in the street and used the method of grid topography to make the accordion very large. The accordion is like his skirt, and he’s playing this ‘melodic skirt’ with concentration. The hemline resembles a musical instrument, as I usually experience when wearing dresses. Lace hemlines are typically formed by repeating cut-out patterns, like the keys of a piano. At the same time, they have a draping effect, and as I move my legs, the different lace units bump into each other like bells clashing against each other and making a crisp sound.
12th November 2024 @ 8:01 pm
I really loved how you’ve used a mix of bold colors, textures, and forms across these pieces! Each artwork speaks with its own unique character, yet they all connect through a strong sense of creativity and exploration.
In the first image, I was drawn to the lively blue strokes that capture such a spontaneous, raw energy. The abstract shapes are wonderfully expressive, letting the viewer find their own interpretation in each line, a beautiful reflection of unfiltered creativity.
The second image stands out for its playful use of color and mixed materials. The layering and three-dimensional elements make each piece feel like a small, individual world. I love how the textures invite exploration, with each element complementing the vibrant palette to create a cohesive, experimental vibe.
In the third image, I was captivated by the surreal quality of the line work and color choices. The repeating patterns and dream-like figures are visually engaging, and they spark curiosity about the story behind each character. It’s as if they belong to a hidden narrative.
Lastly, in the fourth image, the contrasting greens and reds create a bold, intricate composition. I really admired how you balanced architectural lines with softer textures, giving the piece both structure and a sense of freedom. It’s inspiring to see such complexity and balance in one artwork.
Overall, this collection is vibrant, thoughtful and wonderfully imaginative, an exciting exploration of form and texture!