Inspired by Picasso’s Blue Period, this portrait of my maternal grandfather presents his passion for traveling and eagerness to gain new knowledge. Although the color midnight green may be reminiscent of the ocean and thus freedom, the use of monochromatic colors also symbolizes melancholy caused by the loss of culture. This idea is evident in the painting as maps, which symbolize a chronicle of his journey through different worlds, and newspaper strips bury Chinese red envelopes.

Materials used: Acrylic, newspaper, map, red envelopes, color pencil, white glue, cooking oil, on canvas