Dream 2011

Kexin Di made this painting, Dream, with oil on canvas. The painting gives us a kind of impossible perspective, from high up looking down. The colours are rich and earthy, lots of browns, ochres and umbers, but with some flashes of bright colour like the red shirt and the apples. There’s a kind of chaos in the composition, yet the surface is so smooth and the details are so precise. Look at how the light streams in through the window, illuminating the dust motes in the air. And notice how the artist is able to render the folds and textures of the fabric so realistically. It reminds me of the old masters. Except they never painted anything quite so surreal. De Chirico comes to mind when I see this piece. Like him, Di is interested in creating a sense of mystery and unease through the juxtaposition of unexpected elements. And like all great paintings, this one leaves you with more questions than answers. Isn’t that what makes it so compelling?