Professor Shilin Zhou, Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts
Reflections on Daniel Weber’s artworks
The progress and development of human society is closely linked to the creation of art, whether it be early classical, impressionism, Dadaism, abstract art or contemporary expressionist art, all of which have gained much valuable experience in their continuous development and progress, leaving a tremendous spiritual wealth to humanity. Artists have always been experimenting looking for different angles, styles, and expressions and the breakthroughs, have brought unprecedented vitality to art development.
Since its inception, abstractionism has continued to break through boundaries, experimenting and practising all kinds of possibilities, resulting in a wide range and diversity in terms of quantity, artistic quality, and appearance. Abstract artworks have made more viewers to contemplate and become drawn to them. The visual impact of the work is a source of comtemplation and affection.
Furthermore, the artists have made great efforts experimenting with various means of expression and techniques, thus exploring the cultural resources of art. They are constantly elaborating their profound understanding and the deeper meaning of art. They convey their inner surges of moods, emotions and visualisations with their independent viewpoint and imagination, allowing the sparks of art within to collide fiercely in search of a deeper spiritual and ideal meaning.
Daniel Weber’s art brought us a different sense and reflection. Most of his paintings belong to abstract expressionism, also known as “deconstructionism” artworks. His life and experiences make his artworks display a multitude of approaches to expressions, whether it is the use of bold brushwork or the flow of colours. His works appear to be based on improvisation and random emotional expression Yet in fact, the artist is pursuing free spirited expression and creativity, emphasising the straightforwardness, naivety and fantasy of his feelings and is very playful which makes his works interesting and fascinating.
The brushwork and colours are unconventional, resulting in pictures of light sweeping dots and splatters. An unrestricted, random and improvised expression, a blend of water and colour, strokes of competence and confidence, but free and spontaneous, with water and colour intermingling and blending freely, forming a wonderful painting. His works have both the free spirit of Western painting and the waving and writing of the East. The brushwork is bold, the colour is unrestrained, and the artwork is arbitrary and spontaneous, but his work’s inherent texture and cultural connotations are revealed in his works. The colours and strokes in his works are staggered, the rhythm and lyricism are strong, the emotions are introspective and sincere, and the images are natural and straightforward. The works encompass both value and spirit of the West and culture and philosophy of the East. At will, the flow and interplay of colours bring many artistic variations and effects to the works, achieving an unexpected and beyond-expected association.
Also, Daniel Weber’s works often use an array of materials for expression, and Daniel makes full use of the many possibilities of the various materials. For instance, the oil colour, methylated spirit and different textures of paper and solvents are utilised in combination to bring about different effects of the works to achieve artistic re-creativeness and thus produce a unique visual impact to people.
There is a solid cultural flavour in his work, which is vibrant, cleverly conceived and varied. Indulgence and rationality come together, sensuality and ideals burst forth, mind and thought are linked, means and techniques are connected.
We admire Daniel Weber’s creative spirit, freedom, spontaneity, and unrestrainedness. We relish his search for his spiritual home and sustenance with his heart, expressing his will and ideas.
We trust and heartily wish that we will see more of his excellent works in the future.
Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts
Professor Shilin Zhou
22 March 2021