My Legato series is a visual exploration of music, specifically inspired by the concept of legato in string instruments. Legato, often described as “long bowing,” is about sustaining a single, flowing note with maximum resonance and expression. It’s about drawing the most profound sound possible from each stroke.
This series finds its core inspiration in the philosophy of the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He once articulated the challenge of working with just four strings on a cello, stating, “I must make my voice count.” Similarly, as an artist, I work with a limited palette: the three primary colors, along with black and white—a total of five colors. For me, like Yo-Yo Ma, I have to make my colors count.
Through this constraint, I strive to achieve a richness and depth that transcends the number of hues. My aim is for these paintings to encourage viewers to slow down, and truly see with their eyes, their mind, and their heart. I want the colors to resonate, to invite a sustained engagement that mirrors the lingering beauty of a legato passage, allowing for a deeper, more mindful experience of the art.
Date Created: 2025
Physical Dimensions: 60″X48″ (152cm X 122cm)
Type: Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Rights: ©Jeanyu Chen
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