Autumn Splendor 1271 - 1368

Editor: This is “Autumn Splendor,” made during the Yuan dynasty, sometime between 1271 and 1368, by Gong Jufei. It's ink and watercolor on silk. It has such a gentle quality; the forms are soft. What jumps out to you about its composition? Curator: Formally, I observe the masterful use of negative space, setting off the detailed insect and floral studies. Note the interplay of geometric shapes: the circular format contrasting with the organic lines of the flora. What effect do you think is achieved with this subtle geometric juxtaposition? Editor: Hmm… I guess that by placing the softer elements against a harsher geometry, Gong Jufei emphasizes their delicateness even more? The geometric shape feels still, in comparison. Curator: Precisely. Consider also the brushstrokes, they appear meticulously controlled, modulating from thick to thin, light to dark. It creates a sense of volume, does it not? A visual system encoding dimension, on what is in essence, a flat plane. How does this flatness of the plane, and volume of the image, impact the aesthetic effect, in your opinion? Editor: The flattening definitely highlights the surface texture, maybe making us more aware of the silk itself. It’s almost like the texture of the silk becomes another element in the piece. Curator: Yes, indeed. Reflecting on the structural qualities of the composition – the arrangement of elements in the pictorial space, combined with materiality – texture on silk -- this informs a refined artistic statement, one of delicate balance between stillness and vivacity. Editor: That makes me appreciate how all the parts come together to shape its particular impact, thanks!