Aquatic Animals 1978

Ding Yanyong made this painting of aquatic animals using ink on paper. Look at the way he made these little critters—frogs, a crab, and even a little fish floating above. You can almost see the artist’s hand move across the paper, the brush dancing with each form. I can imagine Ding Yanyong standing over his paper, maybe outside near a pond, with his brush loaded with ink. What kind of expression was he trying to capture? I love how each of the frogs seems to have its own personality. Some look surprised, some look like they're plotting something! The brushstrokes are so simple, but they say so much. The controlled ink strokes beautifully capture the essence of each animal, with subtle variations in tone and texture bringing them to life. It reminds me a little bit of some of the work of calligraphers I admire. I wonder if Ding Yanyong was thinking about them too when he made this. Every painting is a conversation, right? It’s like we’re all talking to each other across time, inspiring each other.