Ceaseless

This work was adapted from the oil painting of the Chinese painter TANG Xiaoming in 1972. To embody LU Xun’s attitude of ceaseless fighting in life, Tang reviewed many documents to learn about the individual and pictured the scene of Lu continuing writing with his mightiest weapon – pen – even in his sickbed. Meanwhile, details like the background were introduced to enhance the credibility of the image, as if he had seen the firm, sharp demeanor of the writer.

The work was produced with the Straight Stitch, Padded Satin Stitch, and Voiding Stitch, vividly presenting the weight of oil paint and a sense of space. The thin threads of the Padded Satin Stitch outline Lu’s slight frown and sharp gaze as well as his slim yet tough hands, while the Meng Stitch subtly depicts the mottled wall. Such masterpiece of embroidery showcases the highly matured painting artistry and appreciation of the embroidery artisan and the painting mentor.