Scattered 艳烛散花 Painting

My painting, " Scattered 艳烛散花," is a tribute to true friendship during a difficult time in my life. The two delicate pink peonies, painted on a deep black background, symbolize the warmth and love of true friendship. The peony flower has long been associated with love and friendship in Chinese culture, and I chose this subject matter to convey the importance of these qualities in my life. During the creation of this painting, I was struggling with a personal challenge. This experience left me feeling disillusioned and saddened, yet the peonies in this painting represent the hope and beauty that can still be found in genuine friendships. The contrast between the vibrant pink peonies and the dark background represents the bittersweet nature of true friendship during difficult times. Though we may miss the presence of true friends who have left our lives, the memories of their warmth and love still remain. In this painting, I hope to convey the importance of cherishing true friendships and the beauty that can be found even in the midst of sadness and loss. "艳烛散花" reference a Chinese poem "牡丹亭·春日凝雪" (Spring Day at the Peony Pavilion) by Du Fu. In this poem, Du Fu uses the image of the peony as a symbol of beauty and love, but also of the fleeting nature of human emotions. The poem describes the speaker's restless night, filled with anxiety and longing, while the beauty of the peonies and the flickering candlelight serve as a reminder of the passing of time. Through this painting, I aim to express my gratitude for the true friends who have been there for me during challenging times and to inspire others to cherish their own friendships.