UMBC welcomes The Poet’s Brush collection by Lo’Ch’ing to the Fine Arts building this semester. Lo’Ch’ing’s exhibit is a collection of Chinese ink paintings inspired by landscapes. His pieces follow time, in that the viewers can see the progression of the environmental changes that arrived with newer generations.
Each painting is on a very unique canvas medium: fabric. They are spread across a roll, reminiscent of a scroll, of structured fabric textured with a subtle floral pattern. From the particular details to the canvas presentation, the paintings accentuate the Chinese culture in a beautiful way.
Lo’Ch’ing’s focus on landscapes reflects a new, interesting perspective on scenes that may be common to most spectators. He refreshes the scenes with a unique use of color and shape in order to encourage the spectators to find meaning.
Lo’Ch’ing’s use of color carries the story of his paintings. Paintings with nostalgic tones, depicting landscapes inspired by aged experiences, showcase bold colors. Bright pinks, oranges and blues capture viewers’ eyes, attract them and evoke a sense of optimism and joy.
Some of these bright paintings are sprinkled with gold flecks. This adds to the overall cheerful and passionate tone. It almost makes the meaning decadent and regal, associating the past with a greater, more valued time.
Paintings depicting recent revolutions in technology utilized a dark color scheme. For example, inventions that contributed to technological advancement, like airplanes and high-rise buildings, were painting in black and were extremely geometric. Some portions of these paintings were either absent in color or red, contributing to a lifeless and passionate, yet angry, mood.
This may have been done to reflect Lo’Ch’ing’s views on the present world. However, though it is advanced and luxurious, it is still quite dark and morbid. It does not possess the freedom the past seemed to radiate.
While Lo’Ch’ing might not be trying to say that the past is good and the present is evil, his paintings were still created to make a statement: The world, as we see it, has changed. Through advancements, growing generations, wars, victories and environmental death, the world has indeed changed.
Lo’Ch’ing’s Chinese ink paintings are a lovely reflection of his culture and personal perspective on the changing world. He effectively shows spectators how he sees the world and encourages them to form their own interpretations.
The exhibit is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until March 17. The Poet’s Brush is truly a beautiful exhibit that can touch each spectator in an individual way. The exhibit evokes emotion and thought. People leave having viewed landscapes in a different light. They can truly say that they have left feeling different than they had before.
