Rocks c. 19th century

Zhou Tong created this ink on paper artwork called Rocks, which now resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The vertical composition, dominated by a large, imposing rock, immediately draws the eye upward. Tong masterfully uses ink washes to define the texture and form, creating a sense of depth and volume. Observe how the dark, dense strokes contrast with the lighter, almost translucent areas, giving the rock a dynamic, almost palpable presence. This play with ink is not merely descriptive; it is a structural device. In the Chinese literati tradition, rocks symbolize permanence and the enduring nature of the universe. Tong’s Rocks uses formal elements to explore philosophical concepts about nature, and being. The stark monochrome and minimalist composition invite contemplation on the essence of form itself, and its relationship to the void that surrounds it. This work encourages us to see beyond mere representation.