Goose 1978

Ding Yanyong made this *Goose* with ink and colour on paper, and looking at it feels a bit like catching a glimpse of a fleeting moment. The brushstrokes are so economical, almost like a shorthand, that each mark feels incredibly deliberate. There’s this dance between control and spontaneity, a balance that I think all painters are constantly chasing. The goose itself, with its elegant neck and that little splash of orange on its head, feels so alive, like it could waddle right off the page. I find myself drawn to the way the ink bleeds and pools in certain areas. It gives the image a sense of depth and texture, making the goose feel grounded even with its ethereal quality. It makes me think of Cy Twombly, another artist who knew how to make the most of a simple line. Ultimately, this piece reminds us that art doesn’t always need to shout to be heard. Sometimes, it’s the quietest voices that resonate the loudest.