The Dreams

Gao Xiang, The Dreams, 2013, oil on canvas, 180 x 160cm

A small spec in the vastness of the cosmos, a human figure confidently and inquisitively points toward the stars. The comparatively tiny human is gently supported atop two monumental horses whose power is palpable from the canvas. Bridging the earth and the sky the horses are firmly grounded, yet their necks are craned toward something beyond our knowledge. They feel simultaneously rooted and in motion, balanced between what was and what is yet to come.

The Dreams leads us to look deeper not only at the story unfolding on the canvas - the nurturing force of the Universe supporting our inquisitive spirit - but also inside ourselves. For Gao Xiang, the horse is a symbolic extension of his soul, a complex force that holds the mysteries of the Universe. Separate yet intertwined, the horses and the human form one whole, a smaller element supported by a larger force, both keen to explore the limitless possibilities of the vast unknown around them.

At 180 x 160cm, The Dreams is the focal point of any room. I had the great pleasure of living with it between exhibitions, in my apartment in Switzerland, where it harmonised beautifully with the lake and the stars outside. The Dreams gives me a sense of freedom, the desire to take chances and really go for it, knowing that the Universe has my back (or feet as it were). I love that feeling. It is now time to rotate The Dreams back into the gallery. I shall miss it.

The photo above is not my apartment, but it shows the artwork to scale. For queries, please email me at katrine@katrinelevin.com or DM me on FB/IG. For Gao Xiang’s bio and other works, click here

Cool Facts

The horses are painted in the sturdy shape of Tang Dynasty figurines while the composition of the stars is inspired by ancient Chinese astronomical charts (here showing a portion of the Triones aka Big Dipper) that Gao Xiang discovered in an antique book store.