Created By
Mediha Ting
Acrylic on canvas
Curator
Artbridger Curator
In "Lotus with Butterfly," Mediha Ting masterfully weaves a narrative that transcends time, echoing the artistic fusion pioneered by Giuseppe Castiglione. Ting's meticulous portrayal of the lotus and butterfly, steeped in traditional Chinese symbolism, speaks to a profound understanding of both cultural heritage and contemporary expression. The interplay of metallic hues against the dark backdrop creates a captivating visual tension, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of light and shadow, tradition and innovation. Through this exquisite piece, Ting showcases a harmonious blend of historical reverence and modern interpretation, inviting us to reflect on the enduring allure of cross-cultural artistic dialogue.
Mediha Ting's work establishes a temporal dialogue with Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining, 郎世寧), the Italian Jesuit missionary and court painter who served at the Qing court during the 18th century. By choosing the lotus and butterfly motif - classical subjects in Chinese painting - Ting engages with the artistic lineage that Castiglione himself navigated as he merged European painting techniques with Chinese aesthetics. The work's execution demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of both traditional Chinese artistic principles and contemporary approaches. The use of metallic tones against the black ground creates an effect that simultaneously honors traditional ink painting while establishing a distinctly modern vocabulary. The precision in the botanical details echoes Castiglione's renowned attention to natural forms, while the contemporary medium and execution firmly place this work in our present moment. The piece stands as a refined exploration of how historical artistic traditions can be reinterpreted through contemporary materials and sensibilities.
Created By
Mediha Ting
26 x 26 cm | 10 x 10 in
Golden frame
2022
