There are scriptures on the sea3

Artwork Interpretation

Journey Through the Sea weaves a dialogue between the ocean, flame, humanity, and nature through a fantastical scene. In the painting, the flame - shaped color blocks are the visual core. Their twisted forms and blended colors resemble the life force breaking free from the earth’s depths. The dominant orange - yellow hue, interspersed with red and white, simulates the dynamic surging of flames. The fishing boat on the left serves as a realistic anchor — the blue - gray of the hull and the red of the flags carry the earthly charm of marine labor, creating a “reality - surreal” tension with the flame.

In composition, the flame occupies the right half of the painting, approaching the viewer with overwhelming volume. The fishing boat, small yet distinct, is positioned on the left. Connected by the waves, they form a “confrontation - coexistence” narrative: the flame symbolizes the grand power of nature, the fishing boat represents humanity’s exploration of the ocean, and the waves act as a medium for their interaction, providing a buffer zone for conflict. This layout breaks balance but generates a unique order through the resonance of elements.

Color amplifies emotions: The sea’s green is rich in layers, ranging from light grass green to dark green, simulating the ocean’s depth and flow. The warm tones of the flame are passionate and unrestrained, clashing with the cool green of the sea. This not only creates visual impact but also echoes the theme of “challenge and tolerance”. The combination of thick impasto and thin painting — stacked brushstrokes on the flame enhance a sense of heaviness, while flat - painted sea water retains flowing lightness — gives the painting a tactile textural contrast.

The painting style is a variant of expressionism, conveying inner emotions through exaggeration and distortion. The twisted form of the flame is not a replication of reality but an externalization of life force. The realistic details of the fishing boat anchor the foundation of “ocean survival”. This mix grounds surreal elements, avoiding nihilism.

Emotions hide in details: The upward surging flame represents a pursuit of the unknown; the boat cutting through waves embodies human resilience. Their coexistence conveys optimism — nature’s grand power is not a threat but an opportunity to inspire exploration. The “journey through the sea” seeks coexistence amid collision, revealing life’s potential to break boundaries between flame and wave.

It evokes David Hockney’s bold use of color, yet Journey Through the Sea emphasizes the confrontation and integration of forces more. It also echoes the “epic sense of nature” in Anselm Kiefer’s works but strips away heaviness, infusing the ocean’s agility. Using specific flame forms and fishing boat details, it breaks down grand themes into tangible visual symbols, telling viewers: The dialogue between nature and humanity persists in conflict and embrace, and art is the eternal medium recording this dialogue.

Why do the flames in the painting give the impression of words rising upward?

The golden and brown strokes are not just flames, but resemble brush-written characters unfolding in the air. The fire seems to embody the inner force of scripture, turning the act of burning into a vision of letters of light ascending above the sea.

What narrative role does the ship play in the composition?

The ship moves steadily through the waves, standing in sharp contrast to the towering flames. One represents human navigation and earthly journeys, while the other symbolizes the transcendence of sacred fire. This tension creates a parable-like dialogue between the worldly and the divine.

How does the contrast of colors shape the emotional atmosphere?

The emerald green sea collides with the intensity of the flames, evoking a clash between survival and destruction. The fire’s golden hue is layered with deep browns and reds, suggesting that ashes and suffering still linger within the light, which adds emotional depth and solemnity to the scene.

What is its unique value in a contemporary religious-themed art collection?

This painting translates the spirituality of scripture into natural elements of fire and sea, creating a surreal narrative language. It stands out as a powerful visual metaphor of text and faith as symbols, making it an exceptional piece for both contemporary religious art collections and academic studies on visual symbolism in faith.

Why is it suitable for museums or cultural institutions with spiritual-themed exhibitions?

Because it is not only a striking visual artwork but also a cultural parable about memory, fire and water, destruction and transcendence. The juxtaposition of the ship and flames invites viewers to reflect on the tension between humanity and divinity. For this reason, it is highly suitable for museums, cultural institutions, and spiritual-themed exhibitions where deep engagement with themes of faith and existence is encouraged.

What should I pay attention to when buying an artwork or its derivatives?

A: Click here to view ARTPHILOSO's Guide for Collectors.