Title: Wondrous Peaks at Sunset
Artist: Wang Mansheng
Location: New London, Connecticut
Culture: Chinese
Medium: Limited Edition Print
Dimensions: N/a
Repository: Chu-Griffis Asian Art Collection, Shain Library, Connecticut College, New London
Donated by Chu-Griffis Art Fund
Description: Wang Mansheng’s limited edition print, Wondrous Peaks at Sunset, is one of the main focal points in the exhibition Wang Mansheng: From Silk Road to Hudson River. It is located in the center of the Chu Room surrounded by other works of Wang Mansheng. It is hung in a glass cabinet with internal light illuminating the print. The image depicts a rigid mountain with the peak being showcased centrally. The mountain has earthy tones including, browns, beiges, blues, and yellows. The mountain takes up most of the image, but the sky is represented in the top of the image, as well as a body of water at the bottom.
Analysis: Wondrous Peak at Sunset, is representative of Wang Mansheng talent of combining old Chinese principles and traditions with a modern subject. Chinese principles can be found in this image including the composition of the image. The image is very detailed, but this detail is contrasted with a few visual resting spots. To the left, the use of color is limited, creating an area of white. This contrasts the rest of the image with the bright variations of blues and yellows. Other focal points include a stream of water that runs from top to bottom and ends at the body of water at the base of the print. Traditionally waterfall subjects signified a journey or rebirth. This theme can be recognized in relation to Wang Mansheng’s personal life. This wonderfall and mountainous image could be located along the Hudson River close to where Mansheng has resided in America. The image of the peak and waterfall could signify Manshang’s journey to America from China. The use of color also is representative of old Chinese traditions. Blue traditionally represents rebirth, and harmony, and can be found in many other Chinese waterfall images. It also helps to create a sense of depth within the image. It creates a shadow in the background of the mountain helping to highlight the peak. It also contrasts the yellows and oranges that are used to create the sunset lighting on the peak.
Reference: https://moodle.conncoll.edu/moodle/pluginfile.php/201041/mod_resource/content/1/Huang%20Yibing%20Wang%20Mansheng%20Catalog.2020%20%28small%29.pdf
