The fluid threshold (2025)Acrylic painting by Mengqiu Li

This expressionist acrylic painting is a vibrant, dreamlike exploration of connection and the subconscious. It features a layered composition where human-like figures and animal motifs—specifically birds—intersect in a fluid, colorful landscape.

Product Overview
This piece depicts a series of translucent, overlapping figures engaged in a silent, symbolic exchange. A central, pale figure stands as the focal point, flanked by a dark, bird-masked silhouette and a slender blue form. The painting suggests a narrative of metamorphosis or the blending of the human spirit with the natural world, set against a deep violet and earthy brown background that evokes a twilight atmosphere.

Inspiration & Appeal
Inspired by Neo-Expressionism and Surrealism, this artwork captures the "unseen" connections between individuals. What makes it unique for a collector is its narrative ambiguity; every viewer will see a different story within the shifting layers of paint.

Atmospheric Depth: The use of dark purples against fiery oranges creates a high-contrast, moody aesthetic.

Symbolic Imagery: The bird motifs and masked figures suggest themes of protection, wisdom, or the hidden self, making it a powerful conversation starter.

Craftsmanship
The artist utilized acrylics on canvas, employing a sophisticated glazing and layering technique.

Translucency: By thining the acrylics, the artist achieved a "ghostly" effect where figures appear to shine through one another.

Textural Brushwork: Broad, visible strokes provide a sense of movement and urgency, characteristic of modern expressionist styles.

Color Harmony: The balance between warm ochre and cool cobalt creates a visual rhythm that guides the eye across the canvas.

Materials used:

acrylic

Details:

• Acrylic painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 50 x 70 x 3.5cm (unframed) / 50 x 70cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed on the back
• Style: Abstract
• Subject: Abstract and non-figurative