Lotus Flower B – Baisong Wang

Analysis of the painting Lotus Flower B by Baisong Wang

Biographical information : Baisong Wang , Chinese artist born in 1952, is recognized for his works combining Chinese aesthetic traditions and modern oil painting techniques. A graduate of the Lu

Technical analysis : “Lotus Flower B” presents a composition that plays on subtle contrasts between touches of bright colors and softer, muted tones. The technique is both light and expressive, the painting varies between smooth areas and thick impasto, bringing relief to the painting. The color palette is dominated by mauve, beige and brown tones, with touches of red and bright yellow in the center of the composition, where the lotus flowers are located. The light background creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The withered stems and leaves of the lotus are sketched in a fluid and abstract manner.

Stylistic analysis : The work oscillates between realism and abstraction, with an approach reminiscent of expressionism. The lotus shapes are recognizable, but they blend into a more chaotic environment, where colors and textures dominate. The lotus flowers, with their red and yellow petals, contrast strongly with the rest of the composition. They immediately catch the viewer’s eye. The fine lines and soft strokes that form the withered stems and leaves create a feeling of fragility, while the soft light that bathes the scene reinforces the idea of ​​nature in decline but still vibrant with life.

The influence of traditional Chinese style : "Lotus Flower Series B" is inspired by the principles of traditional Chinese painting, particularly in the choice of subject: the lotus, a symbol of purity, resilience and spiritual elevation in the culture Chinese. Although the technique is modern, the aesthetics and symbolism of the painting reflect the influence of Chinese tradition. The emptiness in certain parts of the canvas recalls the concept of liubai (empty space), commonly used in Chinese art to suggest the grandeur of nature and leave room for contemplation. Here, the lotus, even in its faded form, retains its spiritual significance, representing beauty in the midst of harsh conditions.

Symbolic Analysis : The lotus is often used to symbolize spiritual purity, because it grows in troubled waters without being defiled. In “Lotus Flower Series B ,” the withered stems and decaying leaves evoke the end of a cycle, a natural transition into a new phase. However, colorful lotus flowers, vibrant despite their surroundings, symbolize the ability to rise above difficulties. This contrast between the beauty of the flowers and the decay of the stems and leaves could also evoke the idea of ​​resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, a central theme in Chinese culture. The soft light that passes through the composition reinforces this feeling of hope and renewal.