Zhi Li [RA 2020] : Library commission color study for Wisdom, 2021.

SAL record control number: 111311 ;

Record level: Item ;

Record type: Movable work ;

 

Work title: Library commission color study for Wisdom  [from artist]  ;

Alternate work titles:
2021 : Library commission color study for Wisdom  [from artist]  ;

Work date: 2021  [from artist] ;

Work creator: Zhi Li [RA 2020] ;

Work medium: Oil on panel ;
Work dimensions: ? x ? inches [unframed, panel each]

Inscribed / signed front: 

Verso:

SAL category: Oil ;
SAL sub-category: Allegory ; genre ;

Archives of American Art subjects:

Description of work:
Wisdom & Knowledge Painting Proposal

“For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grand good sense to the guiding the pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy.” – Proverbs 2:10-13

Following this scripture, I created this “Wisdom & Knowledge” allegorical painting. The painting depicts the wisdom of God, as “God is sun”. In it, I use a dramatic light, leading the eye from left to right, since without light, there would be no sense of unity. The whole composition follows an “S” curve shape to create movement and perspective. The painting style is inspired by traditional classical realism of old masters, combining it with chiaroscuro and strong contrast, the painting gains an added mystery, richness and beauty. In the center of the two panels, I designed the abundance of flowers in connection with one another, symbolizing that between Heaven and Earth, and wisdom and knowledge. The technique is a dominant stylistic element with dark shadows, transfixing subjects in bright shafts of light, expressive colors, and sculpting of figures with brushstrokes. In the left panel I painted a heavenly light, dove, and angel, which depict the wisdom shared to us by God. The rays of light are meant to symbolize how wisdom inspires knowledge and allows it to grow. On the right panel, I painted the tree of life in the background, with a woman reading a book in the foreground. Peacefully and joyfully studying with the light shining upon her, she is gaining knowledge and understanding. I chose the tree as a symbol that connects the two panels as they live long lives and experience many things, allowing them to have a deeper understanding of the Earth.

I included the oil painting palette and brush in order to match the library’s atmosphere as one of an art club, and since the old master style of traditional realism is deeply rooted in its history. Painting, to me, is also the pursuit of and connection between intelligence, wisdom, and knowledge.

Provenance:
2021 Zhi Li [RA 2020], the artist .

Exhibition history:
2021 SCNY Allegory today : the library commission November 8-19.

References / citations:

Notes:

 

Document information

Document permalink:
http://salmagundi.org/artwork/?p=111311

Digital-born document number:
SAL.2021.111311

Record birth date:
November 1, 2021

Last updated: November 1, 2021 at 17:48 pm