Tang Dynasty Horse 1978

Ding Yanyong made this Tang Dynasty Horse using ink on paper, and what strikes me is the incredible economy of mark making. The lines are so simple and direct, yet they manage to capture the spirit of the animal. You can almost feel the brush dancing across the surface of the paper. The ink is applied with varying degrees of pressure, creating a range of tones from deep black to pale grey. It's all about the physicality of the medium. Look at how the lines thicken and thin, creating a sense of movement and energy. Notice the delicate strokes that define the horse's mane and tail, and the bold, confident lines that outline its body. I see echoes of Qi Baishi, especially in the playful, almost cartoonish rendering of the horse. But Yanyong brings his own unique sensibility to the work, creating something that is both familiar and utterly original. This is a piece that invites you to slow down, to look closely, and to appreciate the beauty of simplicity.