“Alchemy 2“ shows a female figure who is apparently conducting some kind of experiment or ritual with painting materials. This represents a self-reflection of the act of painting. The figure’s appearance is based on the original model, while also referring to the mysterious portrait of a young woman by 15th-century artist Petrus Christus. The painting creates a sense of space through parallel lines and subtle changes in color, influenced by Josef Albers’ formalist approach.

For those familiar with art history, the print on the wall in the background may remind one of Rogier van der Weyden’s “Saint Luke Drawing the Virgin,” a painting that also reflects an early artist’s contemplation of the self.

This work carries my fundamental expectation for painting: a slow-growing creation, allowing possibilities to unfold with ample time. Moments of real life, art history, anecdotes, and mythologies all converge and resonate within the piece. Ultimately, all these elements merge into a visual surface that can withstand prolonged viewing.