Fragrant red Leaves 2001

Wu Guanzhong made this vibrant painting of fragrant red leaves sometime around the year 2000, using ink and color on paper. Look at the way Guanzhong plays with layers, almost like he's building up a memory of a place. The grey washes create these soft, moody mountains. Then, bam! This explosion of red and pink leaves bursts forth. It’s like the painting itself is exhaling. I’m really drawn to those little dots of color scattered throughout, like confetti thrown in celebration. There’s a real sense of joy and movement in them. It reminds me a bit of Joan Mitchell's later work, that same energetic approach to landscape, an intensity of feeling through color. Ultimately, it's all about the energy and emotion. Guanzhong invites us to experience the landscape, not just see it.