Perhaps best known for his bichromatic large-scale paintings of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong, Yan Pei-Ming will be presenting a different side of his practice with a new solo show titled “Aggressive Beauty” at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac in Salzburg this summer.Differentiated by his bichromatic approach, Chinese-born France-based painter Yan Pei-Ming works frequently in black and white to create shadow and depth with large brushes and rapid strokes. Up close his portraits appear abstract, but from a distance the contours of each stroke give way to the defining subject.While his most recent works remain faithful to his painterly style, new topics and themes are explored within his “Aggressive Beauty.” Yan has slowly began integrating color into his work, using variations of black and red in striking portraits of religious figures and animals in his new group of works. The result is arresting and diverse: a painting of Pope Francis alongside a savage image of tigers and vultures. What is shared between these two motifs is the idea of power, one that is explored deeply by Yan.“Aggressive Beauty” is on view at Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac at Salzburg Villa Kast from July 25-August 26.
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