60×100 cm, oil on canvas
During a trip to New York for an exhibition, we took the opportunity to explore the city. One of our stops was the iconic Charging Bull sculpture. Approaching from behind, we noticed a long line of people eagerly waiting their turn to crouch under the bull and rub its testicles. Under the bull was a grown woman, and I couldn’t resist photographing her. It was so funny! Moving to the front of the bull, we encountered a smaller line, primarily composed of families. Here, parents positioned their young children around the bull's neck for memorable photos. One little girl, her smile stretched wide with pure joy, caught my eye, and I captured her image too.
Reflecting on these scenes, I wondered about the assumptions we hold about maturity and wisdom. As we grow older, we often believe we gain wisdom. Yet, observing the contrast between my two photos, I found myself questioning whether growing taller truly equates to growing wiser.
This painting is a reminder that societal assumptions about age and wisdom can be misleading. Although the outward signs of maturity— height, experience, social status are often celebrated, they do not necessarily reflect the depth or authenticity of inner understanding.
(The Charging Bull is a magnificent bronze sculpture located on Broadway near Bowling Green in Manhattan’s Financial District. Weighing 3,200 kg and standing 11 feet tall, the sculpture symbolizes financial optimism and prosperity. It draws countless tourists daily, embodying the spirit of Wall Street. A popular
street tradition involves rubbing the bull's nose, horns, and testicles for good fortune.)