Appreciation of Ou Ben's "Four Fish"
This vertical scroll painting, "Four Fish," by Dean Ou Ben, employs a bird's-eye perspective that brings four lifelike fish leaping vividly across the paper. Arranged in a zigzag pattern, each fish displays distinct dynamics and expressions: some gleam in golden hues, others in gray or speckled patterns. They appear to be chasing one another, yet also seem content in the present moment. The smallest fish at the top arches backward in a leap, while the entire scene drifts through crystal-clear waters, with pebbles faintly visible beneath—evoking an ecosystem of endless green currents.
Such vitality stems from Ou's eight decades of immersion in life, observation, and an unwavering pursuit of artistic perfection. Standing before this work, one almost hears the murmuring stream and feels that spontaneous vitality. The spirit of "an old steed in the stable still aspires to gallop a thousand li" resonates perfectly with the vigorous energy of these swimming fish. Do you feel that same artistic power, rooted in life yet returning to nature?