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A River Runs through Us
Size/18" x 36" x 0.5" Medium/Oil on canvas Date/2008
Original Finger Painting by Ivan Chan
Story/The beauty of shan shui (literally, "mountain-water") painting in the Chinese art tradition lies not only in its play of abstract forms, evocative use of positive and negative space, and emphasis on feeling and imagination--but also in the philosophy that guides this genre of painting.
Influenced by Daoism (Taoism with a "T" if you're old school) and Confucianism, these paintings of mountains and water ultimately reflected the majesty of nature and the interaction between eternity and time. People were often portrayed as tiny in relationship to the landscape (unlike European art, that placed people at the center of the world), observing the steadfast mountains being carved and washed away patiently by water that trickled, rushed, and fell.
Three brilliant blue incarnations of Here Kitty sit on lotuses, turning for a backwards glance while a cool green river flows from a faraway mountaintop. An exploration of patterns and change, damage and renewal, this Original Finger Painting reveals that true perfection never rests, but only appears to stay still if one is too busy to notice.
At 18" x 36" with 0.5" sides painted black (ready to hang, frame unnecessary), this thought-provoking image provides depth and more than a touch of the unusual to any space.
Authenticity/All work is guaranteed authentic. Signature (Chinese and English) and stamp on the back.
Policies/Payment, shipping & handling, and return information can be found below. Please contact Ivan Chan Studio with any questions.
Copyright/All rights reserved. No part of this artwork may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the artist.