Fragrance of lotus 2019

Editor: Dayou Lu's "Fragrance of Lotus," created in 2019, combines ink and watercolor on paper. It has a very serene quality, the way the vertical lines draw the eye upwards. How do you interpret this work, looking at the balance of its elements? Curator: Indeed. Initially, one notes the striking interplay of line and wash. The artist utilizes a deliberate verticality, emphasized by the stark, linear reeds which offer a counterpoint to the softer, rounded forms of the lotuses themselves. This juxtaposition establishes a dynamic tension, would you agree? Editor: Yes, I see how those dark lines create a rhythm. Curator: And consider the coloration. The muted greens and whites are punctuated by vibrant oranges, strategically placed to guide the viewer's eye. Furthermore, the calligraphic elements cannot be ignored. They function not merely as text, but as integral components of the overall compositional structure. The variation in line thickness throughout also adds to the textural and visual complexity. What, would you say, is its impact? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn’t considered the calligraphy as part of the form itself. It gives the painting another layer, bridging text and image. Thank you, that definitely enhances my understanding of the piece. Curator: Precisely, observing the relationships within a work allows us access to its intrinsic visual dialog. This focused awareness of a work's formal properties expands understanding.