Red Fan


Red Fan, Forbidden City, oil on panel, 24" x 24", Steven Rhude

As a painter, the intensity of crowds, and the ubiquity of digital photographers struck me at times as an advantage in the Forbidden City. Everyone photographing each other in some respects, however for what reason - one only knows. There is a binary quality between humanity being ignored and blending in, and those being observed yet unaware of the observer, who is indeed also being observed. It is a place of intense motion, and also stasis - a place where one can feel elation in the presence of an ancient culture, and trepidation at the chaotic prospect of how fragile it all is. There is at once peace and solitude, and if one looks down  and forfeits control, the stones reveal tragedy. 

Steven Rhude, Wolfville, NS
www.stevenrhudefineart.com

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