Owl 

This is Hsiung Ping-Ming’s “Owl”. Hsiung was a Chinese philosopher, sculptor, and calligrapher. His life, spanning much of the 20th century, was deeply influenced by war and revolution. This print presents an owl in shades of indigo, black, and white. As a symbol, the owl carries varied cultural meanings, often associated with wisdom, mystery, and the night. However, within the tumultuous context of 20th-century China, such an image might also suggest themes of introspection or silent observation. Hsiung’s personal experiences, marked by displacement and intellectual pursuit, could be reflected in the owl’s watchful gaze, which holds both a sense of knowing and a hint of melancholy. The bold contrasts of color create a powerful emotional presence. The owl, rendered in a non-traditional style, becomes a striking figure, inviting us to consider the depths of history and the weight of personal experience.