Featured image:Â The Blinks, Lunjia Hu, 2022, oil on linen, 9 x 12 in. / 22.86 x 30.48 cm.
Lunjia Hu's 2024 artworks, Primordial Soup Before Life, Handmade Sandwich, Downtown LA, and Lost in Joy, reveal a captivating blend of abstract and representational techniques, exploring human emotion, the mundane, and the origins of life.
Lunjia Hu is a contemporary artist whose works blend abstract and representational styles. Her oil and mixed media pieces explore themes ranging from the origins of life to everyday beauty and human emotion, all with a vibrant, dynamic approach.
Using oil and mixed media, Hu’s art navigates between the raw spontaneity of abstract expressionism and the intimate details of everyday life. The vibrant color palettes, bold brushstrokes, and thoughtful subject matter create a multifaceted exploration of human experience, inviting viewers to engage with the stories embedded in the compositions.
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Primordial Soup Before Life, Lunjia Hu, 2024, mixed media, 30 x 30 in. / 76.2 x 76.2 cm.
In Primordial Soup Before Life, Hu immerses the viewer in an abstract, swirling composition of red, blue, and turquoise shapes, evoking the chaotic energy of life’s origins. The layered use of color and shape creates a dynamic, fluid movement, symbolizing the churning forces of creation. The circular forms and brushstrokes suggest the formation of life’s building blocks, while the bold red backdrop injects a sense of primordial heat. Hu's choice of mixed media adds texture and depth to the canvas, enhancing the sense of transformation and flux that defines the piece. This work invites contemplation of the mystery and complexity of life’s earliest moments.
Handmade Sandwich, Downtown LA, Lunjia Hu, 2024, oil on canvas, 20 x 24 in. / 50.8 x 60.96 cm.
Handmade Sandwich, Downtown LA brings the everyday into focus with a delicately painted representation of a gourmet sandwich from a family-owned café. Hu’s use of soft, textured brushstrokes and warm, muted tones transforms a simple meal into a celebration of craft and care. The composition highlights the intricate details of the ingredients—the crisp lettuce, uncured ham, and sharp cheese—drawing attention to the art of food preparation. The light playing across the plate adds a sense of warmth and comfort, making the viewer feel as though they are sitting at the table, savoring the moment. Through this painting, Hu elevates the mundane into something extraordinary, reminding us of the beauty in the everyday.
Lost in Joy, Lunjia Hu, 2024, oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. / 121.92 x 91.44 cm.
In Lost in Joy, Hu delves into the abstract realm of human emotion, capturing the intensity of joy through vivid, swirling forms and the entangled bodies of two figures. The bold reds and blues of the background reflect the passion and chaos that accompany moments of euphoria, while the flowing, unrestrained brushstrokes mirror the overwhelming nature of joy. The central figures, almost melting into one another, seem to lose themselves in the embrace of happiness, underscoring the work’s title. The juxtaposition of abstract shapes and representational figures creates a visual tension that encapsulates the unpredictable, uncontrollable force of joy. Hu’s bold, energetic style makes this piece a powerful exploration of emotional depth.
Lunjia Hu’s 2024 series presents a compelling exploration of life’s many facets, from the cosmic origins of existence in Primordial Soup Before Life to the simple beauty of everyday life in Handmade Sandwich, Downtown LA, and the boundless emotion captured in Lost in Joy. Through vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, and diverse techniques, Hu draws viewers into her narrative-rich world, encouraging reflection on both the grand and intimate moments of life. Her ability to seamlessly merge abstract and representational forms allows for a deeply engaging and multifaceted viewing experience.
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Mediterranean Dance, Lunjia Hu, 2023, acrylic, 14 x 11 in. / 35.56 x 27.94 cm.
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