Professor CSA Print Yi Ming 047 Yi Ming

The composition presents a scene set within a circular frame bordered by a textured blue field. The central focus lies on a man and a water buffalo positioned beneath a gnarled tree. The artist employed a muted palette dominated by earthy tones – ochre, brown, and grey – creating an atmosphere of quietude and age.
The man is depicted in profile, leaning heavily on what appears to be a staff or walking stick. His posture suggests weariness, perhaps reflecting the burdens of labor or the passage of time. The buffalo stands adjacent to him, its form rendered with careful attention to detail, particularly in the depiction of its musculature and shaggy coat. A rope is visible around its neck, indicating it’s a working animal.
The tree itself is a significant element. Its roots are prominently displayed, sprawling across the foreground, while its branches reach upwards, bare of leaves. This absence of foliage contributes to the overall sense of austerity and hints at a season of dormancy or decline. The artist used delicate brushstrokes to suggest the texture of bark and the subtle gradations in light and shadow on the tree’s surface.
The background is treated with a hazy, almost ethereal quality, achieved through washes of diluted ink that create an impressionistic effect. This softens the edges of the scene and contributes to its dreamlike atmosphere. The circular format draws attention inward, concentrating the viewers gaze upon the figures and their immediate surroundings.
Subtexts within the work seem to revolve around themes of labor, perseverance, and a connection to nature. The man and buffalo represent a symbiotic relationship – a partnership born of necessity. The tree, with its exposed roots and bare branches, could symbolize resilience in the face of adversity or the cyclical nature of life. The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and an acceptance of the natural order. The presence of Chinese characters in the upper right corner suggests cultural context and potentially offers further insight into the work’s meaning if translated.