Magnanimous - Blue

Magnanimous – Blue 2016 reflects a work which on first approach emits a magnificent, luxurious turquoise blue colour on a convex surface that looks light, swollen and even hollow. It belies its true nature, as the work itself has multiple layers of lacquer visibly applied to a framed structure that has to be solid enough and heavy enough to hold its own weight. Upon closer examination, one sees that the painting has its own presence, its own marks and textures as the lacquer has cracked exposing an under surface of an orange coloured lacquer. Whether deliberate or not, the cracks (often a desirable element in celadon glazing) are part of the work. Yet Su does make his mark on the cracks created by the lacquer surface. In some areas, small marks slightly different to the turquoise blue colour are painted in the cracks. Perhaps they are a representation of the consciousness of the artist and an abstract trace of his history or his dominance over what the lacquer has left behind.