Time Passing By 

Kun Wang’s portrait, “Time Passing By”, employs oil paint to create a compelling image. The artist has layered the paint to give a palpable sense of depth, from the soft, almost porcelain-like skin of the sitter to the intricate detail of the lace she wears. Oil paint has a fascinating history; for centuries, it was prized for its ability to capture light and texture with unparalleled realism. Here, Wang builds on that tradition but also brings something new. The textures are not just realistic, they also express a mood, a sense of quiet contemplation. The way the light catches on the woman’s face, the subtle gradations of tone, all speak to the artist’s deep engagement with the material. Consider how much labor went into producing not only the painting, but the lace itself, likely produced by industrial means. Wang invites us to consider the relationship between hand and machine, tradition and modernity, in a single, resonant image.