Rose Garden 1990

Walasse Ting painted this bright scene on paper using watercolor and ink, with a technique echoing traditional Chinese painting. Look closely, and you'll see that the fluidity of the watercolor allows the forms to bleed into one another, creating a dreamlike, hazy effect. The thin black ink is used to define the composition and create bolder outlines, but the washes of color are the true subject of the work. The seemingly spontaneous brushstrokes belie the careful control needed to achieve this balance. Ting was known for his joyful, colourful art, and the unpretentious nature of the medium emphasizes this sense of immediacy. Watercolor allowed Ting to work quickly, capturing fleeting impressions and emotions. The effect celebrates the beauty of the everyday, making it seem all the more significant. It’s a reminder that art doesn't always require grand materials, but can arise from simple means, infused with cultural significance and skilled handling.