Attempting to Compromise Between Concealment and Exposure

161x142x3.8cm

Oil on canvas, unframed

This painting draws inspiration from the composition of The Flight of Marcia by the Italian artist Titian, a structure that has always captivated me. I have long been fascinated by classical masters and their mythological themes. During the creation process, I reworked the composition and imagery to establish a new narrative of my own.

While painting this work, my emotions fluctuated quite significantly. The Chinese title, “Attempting to Compromise Between Concealment and Exposure,” reflects my way of working. After applying the first one or two layers of paint, the canvas develops its initial colours, shapes, and the expressive energy of broad brushstrokes. However, as I continue to refine the surface, these early marks inevitably become covered. To push the painting further and achieve the desired depth, I must conceal certain colours and shapes—an act that itself becomes a form of compromise.

This idea of “compromise” also echoes the dynamics between two people in daily life. A couple inevitably encounters various issues; sometimes they try to hide them, and when concealment is no longer possible, the problems become fully exposed. The middle ground they negotiate becomes a way of relating to one another. This emotional state is mirrored in the figures within the painting.