百年屋脊 2020

百年屋脊, or "Centennial Ridge," is a textured painting made by 王新福, or Wang Xingfu, using expressive brushstrokes with thick oil paint. Here, the tactile quality of the paint is paramount; the impasto surface of the painting creates a topography of peaks and valleys that catch the light, adding depth and movement to the composition. The process of layering paint becomes a record of the artist's physical engagement with the canvas. The choice of oil paint is significant, connecting the work to centuries of artistic tradition, but the way it is applied, almost sculpturally, pushes beyond conventional techniques. This approach blurs the boundaries between painting and sculpture, emphasizing the materiality of the medium itself. The labor-intensive process mirrors the work involved in building and maintaining a physical structure. Ultimately, the painting invites us to reconsider our understanding of artistic skill, recognizing the value of both physical effort and conceptual vision.