Zhao Na, “Drunk in Autumn” (2014)

Zhao Na, an artist who mainly focuses on the utilization of acrylic paint and ink, along with colored pencil and graphite, creates several pieces that focus on characteristically unique renditions of subjects that may remind one of very detailed comic book scenes. Currently, Na works and lives in Beijing, China and has displayed her work in several exhibitions since 2003.

The piece that particularly drew me in was Na’s “Drunk in Autumn,” a beautifully intricate rendition of a tree bearing apples. Within the tree is an amalgam of creatures that are “drunkenly” hanging out, strategically entangled within the branches. The piece almost takes on a humorous mood and quality, as each of these creatures appear to be the same size (which is not true to reality). The artist pairs muted and bright colors in order to create an interesting interplay between various aspects of the composition. I admire the sketchy yet fulfilled quality of the piece; there is an interesting balance of positive and negative space (which seems to bite into the tree itself). Additionally, the tree appears to be composed of a mixture of organic shapes and items such as moss and leaves.

Zhao Na, “Rest” (2012)

The other piece worth noting includes “Rest,” which, similar to “Drunk in Autumn,” includes a depiction of a tree along with a creatures. Na seems to hide the owls and various types of birds within the branches of the tree; Na utilizes similar muted colors in rendering both the branches and animals. What is interesting is that Na includes dabs of green within the tree along with muted colors such as gray, which creates an unlikely balance within the work. It almost appears as if the tree, near the bottom, is opening its trunk, ready to swallow up any unsuspecting bird (perhaps a baby chic) that loses its balance on the fragile branches. Again, Na creates an interesting interplay of negative and positive space while drawing the viewer into the seemingly uneasy piece by adding so much detail and unique combinations of colors and renditions of the subject.

Overall, Na’s work reminds me of a highly-developed style of animation (almost comic-book like) that involves the portrayal of whimsical ideas through the use of painstaking detail. Though I have not made any pieces that involve so much detail, I would like to work towards creating a wider array of work that creates an interesting interplay of unique colors and space.