馒头山 2015

Wang Xinfu made this painting, 馒头山, with what looks like a palette knife, using thick, expressive strokes. It’s not just about representing a mountain; it’s about the act of building it up, layer by layer, with paint. The texture is really where it’s at. Look at how the light catches those ridges of paint, especially on the peaks. It's almost sculptural. The colors, mostly greens and grays, are muted, but they’re applied so densely that they create a shimmering effect, like light flickering across a rough surface. Notice that spot of pure white near the top, it's like a release of energy. This piece reminds me a little of Courbet, especially in its raw, unapologetic materiality. Both artists embrace the physicality of paint, and aren't afraid to show the messiness of the process. Ultimately, it’s not about capturing a perfect likeness, but about exploring the possibilities of paint.