Transformation II
In response to the refinement of lines in his new series, BEI Jiaxiang adheres to the belief that “there are no ‘ought to be’; all ‘ought to be’ are wrong,” echoing Ligel’s assertion that artistic development “is driven not by external forces but by its own free will.”
BEI has let go of meticulous attention to detail, opting instead for a bold, sweeping approach that allows randomness to play a greater role in his brushwork, capturing more fleeting possibilities. Navigating between traditional abstraction and representation, he forges a distinct path. While the overall composition exudes a contemporary abstract essence, certain targeted strokes still convey the essence of forms, raising the creator’s emotions to new levels beyond the limits of representation. In works of the Nude Series, the human figures are almost imperceptible at first glance, yet this does not diminish the palpable intimacy and tenderness within. The fluid brushstrokes express emotions that transcend specific shapes, seemingly recording a life force that endures.
Amber Organza - Nude Series
Oil on Canvas
90*190 cm
2023
Additionally, BEI displays remarkable skill in the interplay of brushstrokes. Through the deliberate direction and fluidity of the strokes, he generates a sense of urgency in pieces like Whirling in the Wind and The Legions. Repetitive layering enriches the depth and narrative in Night Elves and Alley Time, while delicate transitions and connections support bold color experiments in his new style. When BEI allows the brush to take over the strokes, the canvas comes alive.
The Legions - the Horse Series
Oil on Canvas
240*180 cm
2024
Night Spirit - the Horse Series
Oil on Canvas
130*88 cm
2024
BEI also generously showcases his unique understanding and mastery of colour.
In works like the Horse series and the Nude series, he employs vibrant, high-saturation hues. He recalls a classic line from the former Yugoslav film in the 1980s, Walter Defends Sarajevo: “The air trembles, as if the sky is on fire.” Inspired by this, BEI boldly uses high-contrast colours that make the canvas vibrate, creating a striking visual allure, as seen in the clash between bright orange and dark blue in The Herds. This audacious colour choice reflects BEI’s profound grasp of colour’s expressive potential, infusing the entire composition with a dynamic energy and life force that starkly contrasts with classical oil painting and his own earlier, more subdued palette.
The Herds - the Horse Series
Oil on Canvas
240*180 cm
2024
Nevertheless, amid the intense color clashes, BEI skillfully achieves a perfect balance between movement and stillness. While large area of bright color can create visual impact due to their inherent variability, without restraint, they risk pushing the emotional tone toward restlessness. BEI manages to achieve the balance by introducing calming neutral tones, establishing stability within the composition. For example, the background in Splashing Glow allows viewers to return to a sense of calm after the initial visual shock.
Splashing Glow - the Horse Series
Oil on Canvas
240*180 cm
2024
In his Impression Shanghai series, BEI adeptly employs low-saturation colors as well. After being washed in shades of gray and white, the tones—whether warm or cool—create a tranquil atmosphere. The overlapping layers form a misty haze, particularly evident in Wandering and Dizzy City. Additionally, the lake green in Flicking Shadow and the brick red in Lost in Lights serve as counterweights on the color scale, introducing vibrant luminosity that suddenly provides direction amidst the tranquil ambiguity.
Through a measured control of brushwork and color, BEI’s new style is increasingly refined in its pure artistic expression. In the hazy and resplendent images he creates, “he has eradicated the outdated dichotomy between the art of imitating nature and the art of transforming nature,” thus offering viewers an aesthetic experience that transcends the material world. This artistic exploration is not only a continuation and innovation of traditional techniques but also a powerful response to contemporary artistic expression.
“I don’t know what I will paint, but that’s where the meaning lies,” says BEI Jiaxiang.