The Edge of City 2008

Kexin Di made "The Edge of City," a large oil on canvas, and the muted color palette immediately grabs you, doesn't it? The work is underpinned by process - the textures are built up, and the physical act of layering becomes visible. Looking closely, you can see how Di uses these cool grays and blues to create a sense of stillness, almost like the air before a storm. The paint isn't overly thick, but you can see each stroke, especially in the rocks and water. The rocks in the foreground are particularly intriguing; they're painted with this almost sculptural quality, giving them a real presence. The figure seems lost in thought, echoing the vastness of the landscape. It reminds me a little of some of the melancholic paintings by Caspar David Friedrich, who was also interested in portraying figures in relationship to the immensity of nature. Ultimately, "The Edge of City" invites us to consider our place in the world. It's a painting that prefers questions over answers.