Artwork Interpretation: The Herds

The Herds

Oil On Canvas

240×180cm

In BEI Jiaxiang’s new horse series, this work stands out for its exceptional mastery of color.

The overall image is boldly painted in warm tones primarily of pumpkin orange and scarlet, creating an immediate visual impact and a passionate undertone in the content. The few patches of indigo not only provide a good balance in visual contrast but, more importantly, introduce elements of calmness and tension, enhancing the sense of chaos in the galloping horses, adding depth and intensity.

BEI uses high-contrast colored lines to doodle the facial contours of several horses, whether it’s the forehead, jawline, or just an oval representing an eye. These seemingly thin lines are instantly swallowed by the waves of color but soon reconnect powerfully in the viewers’ mind, making it feel as if the viewers are truly witnessing this group of racing horses charging forward.

Aside from a few individual color blocks, most of the colors used blend together in a unique flow of brushwork, indistinguishable from one another. While they each express themselves boldly, they also create an unexpected sense of harmony. In addition to coordinating colors, BEI employs short, brisk brush strokes to convey instantaneous movement, almost allowing one to feel the vibrations of hooves striking the ground. Besides, he uses fluid long strokes to express overall flow, perfecting the rhythm of the painting.

As a pioneering artist who transcends representational depiction through color expression, BEI’s work may echo Kandinsky’s series Composition. The necessity of narrative in the image is continually weakened, yet the desire for expression surges forth more than ever. The artist is responsible for constructing the emotional surface of the painting while leaving enough space for the viewers to delve into the deeper intricacies of the work.