粉紫色的樱花树 2019

王新福 made this painting, 粉紫色的樱花树, out of what looks like pure texture. The paint is applied in such thick dabs and strokes that the surface becomes a topographical map, a relief, almost like frosting on a cake. The pinks and purples are joyful, and there's a real sense of movement that reminds me how flowers themselves are in constant flux, responding to light and wind. Look closely, and you'll see these little peaks and valleys of paint, each holding its own tiny shadow. The artist's hand is so present; you can almost feel the energy of the brushstrokes as they built up this image. It's a painting that embraces the messiness of nature and the joyful struggle of trying to capture it on canvas. You could compare it to Van Gogh in that way, but really Wang Xinfu is doing his own thing. Art is a conversation, not an echo!