Pomegranates 1927

Wu Changshuo made this fan, painted with ink and color on paper, a reminder that art can be found on anything, anywhere. I love that the painting exists on a functional object, it brings art into daily life. The painting is delicate, but not too precious, the pomegranates rendered in soft browns and greens, with pops of red that catch your eye. The artist uses the texture of the paper to his advantage, the ink bleeding and blending in a way that creates a sense of depth and movement. Look closely at the branches – see how they twist and turn, full of energy? Wu Changshuo's work reminds me of Cy Twombly, both artists share a love of line and gesture, and an ability to make something beautiful out of the simplest of materials. Art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas and influences, and it's always exciting to see how artists build on the work of those who came before them.