Ancient Tree by the River 1977

Wu Guanzhong made this painting, Ancient Tree by the River, with oil on board using a way of working that feels really immediate. You can see how the paint has been applied, kind of direct and without too much fussing. The dark, thick strokes that make up the tree create a strong contrast with the softer, washy areas of the river. Look at how the reflections in the water are suggested with these long, almost scratchy marks – it’s not about perfection, but about capturing a feeling, right? There is something about the subdued color palette with the greys, greens, and yellows, that gives the scene a calm, reflective mood. The painting reminds me a little of some of the early landscapes by Joan Mitchell. It's like Wu Guanzhong is having his own conversation with the landscape, not just copying it, but responding to it. For me, that’s what art is all about, an ongoing exchange of ideas that embraces ambiguity, leaving space for our own interpretations.