Shih Tsui-Feng (1925-2018)

Oil Painting

1991

Length:91 x Width:116.5 (cm)

In his oil paintings, in which he applies opaque oil paints, Shih makes ingenious use of transparent watercolor techniques. This brings an incomparable brightness to the colors. A large number of koi are seen in the center of the painting. In the Chinese language, the phrase "nian nian you yu" means "having surplus every year". It is a blessing of bounty and prosperity for the Lunar New Year. Fish, or "yu", is a homonym for the character "surplus". Thus, the title of this painting is Every Year a Surplus. This artist makes use of the bird's eye perspective to create a well-proportioned arrangement of these koi, giving this painting a sense of movement and allowing it to break through the limitations of this Lunar New Year blessing. There is interplay between the colorful fish and the light and shadow of the pond. Even the algae in the pond seems to be moving with the flow of the water. The effect is a lively and beautiful world of color.
A common subject to traditional Chinese paintings is presented with oil painting methods. This artist has created a highly stunning work that is both friendly and cheerful.

Accession Number:A0060