Solitude, by Marc Chagall, 1933
This piece of painting is full of poetic quality, which evokes imagination and deep feelings. There are many symbolic things in this painting, like the big scroll, the accompanied animal, the violin, and the flying angel. The content of this painting shows a man sitting there lonely and sorrowful, either dreaming or contemplating, but also gives a sense of longing and hope. I chose this piece because it reflects some aspects of my personality. I like to retreat to solitude, dreaming, imagining, searching the inner world of mind. Chagall did this painting in his middle age, but I think we will get different meanings from this painting at different ages.



The second piece is a photograph my 13-year-old daughter took when we were in Istanbul. It looks like no subject matter, but still intends to create some thoughts and feelings in this image. I connect this piece with my interests in historical events and places. What we know about the past is only a tiny part of the truth, like this illuminated area in the vast darkness. And also what we think we know may not be true, as the meanings of those Arabic are hidden for me . The light on the scene would be gone, and move to another spot next moment. It is changing every moment as the passing of time.


The third piece is called " poet on a mountain top" by Chen Zhou ,a Chinese painter (1427-1509). This is an ink painting that shows only value, but no hue or saturation of color. Though the man is on the top of the mountain, he is still a small figure in the whole picture. The long way he has traveled may symbolize the process of his life. He is calm and stands in awe at that moment. All the turmoil of the world has been left behind. The inner peace has been achieved. I enjoy simple style rather than flamboyant style. That's why ink paintings appeal to me.