A New Beginning
by Rita Lee
When the spring thunder rumbles, and the awakening breaks through the soil, new life is emerging with its unique posture, heralding the arrival of spring. The succession of seasons is a process of continuous growth and vigor, a cycle that we experience generations after generations. As people journey through time, their memories linger within each reminiscent moment from the past.
Just like this painting "A New Beginning III" created by Irene Chang, if one does not carefully observe the details of the painting, a distant view would reveal Irene Chang’s characteristic depiction of natural landscapes. Under Irene Chang’s brushstrokes, trees, branches, and flowers are all beloved subjects of her creation, allowing one to glimpse her unique sense of hope and joy within the artwork. However, upon closer examination of the growth posture of the branches and leaves, this artwork features numerous branches. The branches from previous creations adhere with the natural growth patterns of plants, even retaining a sense of realism. Yet, the backbone of this piece carries supernatural curves and colors, with intertwining green branches amidst deep brown trunks, creating an unreal sensation, but also showcasing the artist’s emotional outburst and breakthrough.
The theme of spring has always been a favorite subject for artistic creation, but each artist presents their own unique ideas within this common theme. “Peach Tree in Blossom” is a painting by Van Gogh from the middle of his artistic career. In his early works depicting spring, they remained dark and intense, with classical and defined lines. However, from this period onwards, his depiction of spring became brighter, and the lines naturally conveyed a greater sense of joy.
In Irene Chang’s “A New Beginning III”, we can also witness a similar transformation. The focus shifted from detailed depiction to symbolic representation, where the lines served more to express the artist’s immediate emotional experiences. The shape of the flowers was presented using simple geometric lines, such as circles, as the artist’s intention lies not in the representation of “form” but in the extension of “meaning”. In Van Gogh’s letters behind the “Peach Tree in Blossom”, he wrote, ”As long as someone lives, the deceased will live forever.” Because as long as life continues, beliefs can be transmitted and carried forward. Every blooming flower reflects the scorching sunlight, and the peach blossoms bloom vigorously, bringing people ecstatic surprises. Just like Irene Chang’s creative vision, the choice of vibrant peach color and the overall simplicity and clarity of the composition allow the flowers to burst forth and express the joy of life, while also carrying on the belief she wants to convey to the world.
As we go through life’s winter-like processes, it is as Shakespeare once said, “No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” With the passage of time, we all experience different forms of growth, and Irene Chang’s artistic creations also document the transformation of her inner emotions. The series "O/X - 2022.Spring(I) - (VI)" in 2022 marks a reflective awakening, where painting becomes more than just creating beautiful artwork; it showcases Irene Chang’s heightened awareness of the external environment, triggering profound self-reflection. Meanwhile, the "O/X - 2022.Spring (X) - (XII)" series, which focused on fruits and vegetables, serves as a means for her to channel the anxieties and tensions she experienced from recent years through the act of creating to find relaxation and balance. The path of self-awareness through artistic expression has also transformed her way of life. As she continues to wield her brush in 2023, she can more freely exhibit her inner emotions on the canvas, narrating the joy of being alive.
After enduring a long and cold winter, everything finally begins to awaken and exhibit the long-accumulated energy. Just like the painting “A New Beginning III”, this new birth is not merely the first instance of growth, but the result of undergoing repeated conflicts. It is the resilience to hold onto one's beliefs even in adversity, to let go of past pain and burdens, and to embrace every tomorrow with a fresh mindset. Robin Williams once said, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!’ “Nature is resilient in such a way that no matter how many storms it endures, when given the opportunity to grow and thrive, it bravely sprouts once again, blossoming anew.
Irene Chang’s 2023 spring is filled with the anticipation of carrying such resilient energy that inspires everyone to embrace the coming days with a joyful spirit.
Photos by Irene Chang Studio
