The Hometown of Shakespeare 1992

Curator: So, let's turn our attention to "The Hometown of Shakespeare" painted in 1992 by Wu Guanzhong. It's a captivating mixed-media piece. What jumps out at you initially? Editor: It's all about the vertical lines! At first glance, the stark, almost brutal contrast of the black and white stripes dominating the composition makes it feel… claustrophobic, maybe a bit agitated. Is this really a celebration of the Bard? Curator: Well, Wu’s often playing with this tension, I think. See how he abstracts the Tudor architecture, those iconic timber-framed buildings of Stratford-upon-Avon? He’s distilling the essence of the place, those rigid structures but through this chaotic dance of line and form, using mixed-media to achieve these striking contrasts. I see more lyricism than you. Editor: But look closer; what are these materials doing? The black almost suffocates any lightness, the painting looking like a jail, or perhaps emphasizing the labor behind building it all up! It brings forth not only the beauty but also a sort of critique behind art production. I guess that's Shakespeare after all? Curator: Yes! He’s not just giving us a postcard view. There's also the human element represented through those smudges and vibrant spots of color toward the bottom that make up something close to people! It creates depth but also a kind of vibrancy amongst that strict geometrical background! Editor: These human forms made of splashes! They could easily just suggest labor exploitation and commodification: those splashes give the work a hectic air; there is also some kind of suggestion regarding the working environment. Curator: I can see that! But I think those splashes breathe life into it! And this hectic environment that you are mentioning can as well, resemble something closer to beauty in this modern urban setting! Editor: It gives us much to think, indeed. And the fact that the work, as mixed-media is less defined... Curator: It blends into this ambiguous modern portrait, a constant negotiation of place. I now have more layers to my perspective regarding its making! Editor: Likewise! A dialogue I wish would not come to an end...