In the illuminating pages of Great Women Painters (2022) by Phaidon Editors, I was particularly drawn to the work of Rachel Ruysch and Eguchi Ayane, two artists who come from very different cultures and artistic traditions, respectively.Rachel Ruysch is a critically acclaimed Dutch still-life painter known for her vivid and lively floral assemblages. Her ability to blend a variety of flowers into harmonious assemblages demonstrates her exceptional skill and keen eye for detail. On the other hand, Japanese artist Eguchi Ayane captivates with his dreamlike canvases, where bright and whimsical colors create enchanting and ethereal worlds.
Inspired by Ruysch and Ayane’s unique style, I plan to create a series of paintings that explore the theme of psychedelic dreams or alternate realities. My vision is to intertwine elements of fantasy carousels, teddy bears and other stuffed animals to draw parallels with the marvelous journey of Alice in Wonderland. The color palette will be heavily influenced by Ayane’s work, with an emphasis on the use of pinks, purples and sky blues to shape the realm beyond the ordinary.
The series will consist of five paintings, each utilizing a different sized canvas in order to weave intricate details and expansive scenes, inviting the viewer into a narrative that appears to be stitched together from a dream. This approach not only allows for a rich tapestry of images, but also encourages the viewer to view the collection as a continuous story, traveling through a labyrinth of color, texture, and fantasy.
By fusing Ruysch’s detailed naturalism with Ayane’s surreal color scheme, I aim to build a bridge between the two worlds, offering a visual feast that celebrates imagination and the beauty of nature. This proposal aims not only to pay homage to the artistic talents of Ruysch and Ayane, but also to create a unique space where their influences intersect, creating a new dimension in which the viewer can get lost and explore the labyrinth of color, texture and fantasy.
SHUWEN 