By Ooi Jian Hui

20 May 2023

In the vast tapestry of art history, threads of resilience are woven into the narratives of artists who defy adversity to create masterpieces. Let's journey through the life of the legendary Claude Monet, which has uncanny parallels in our emerging artist, Zhang Kaini, both of whom confronted life-altering encounters yet found solace and purpose in the strokes of their brushes.

Claude Monet's Artistic Odyssey

The early years of Claude Monet's artistic journey were characterized by innovation, a rejection of convention, and the birth of French Impressionist painting. Born in 1840, Monet was a trailblazer, dedicating his career to expressing perceptions before nature, especially in plein-air landscape painting. His work, notably the masterpiece "Impression, Sunrise," served as the catalyst for the term "Impressionism."

Impression, Sunrise.
Image from: https://discover.hubpages.com/art/Impression-Sunrise-an-Interpretation

Monet's canvas was a tapestry of vibrant colors, depicting landscapes with sharp and clear lines, a hallmark of Impressionism. His works, including the iconic Water Lilies and the Rouen Cathedral series, revealed an artist who captured the essence of light and the ever-changing nuances of the natural world.

Claude Monet | Water Lilies | The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Image from https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/438008

Rouen Cathedral (Monet Series). Image from wikipedia

Fast forward to the period from 1912 to 1922, and we witness a significant shift in Monet's artistic expression. Cataracts, an unexpected hurdle in his illustrious career, began to cloud his vision. The once sharp and clear lines gave way to a more subdued palette. Monet's struggle with cataracts brought forth challenges in perceiving colors with the same intensity. Reds appeared muddy, pinks lost their vibrancy, and the subtleties of intermediate and lower tones became elusive.

Despite these formidable challenges, Monet's indomitable spirit prevailed. His determination to continue painting with a compromised vision led to innovative adaptations. Placing labels on paint bottles and choosing colors based on these labels became a creative workaround. The grand canvases that once embraced entire environments narrowed their focus to the serene water lilies, eliminating the horizon line and surrounding elements.

The transformative journey prompted by cataracts was not a surrender but an evolution. Monet's works during this period, including the emotionally charged Weeping Willows painted during World War I, reflected a palette influenced by his impaired vision. The unexpected reddish tones added a poignant depth to his late masterpieces.

Weeping Willow, 1918-1919.
Image from https://www.artsy.net/artwork/claude-monet-weeping-willow

Throughout this challenging chapter, Monet's resilience shone through. Cataract surgeries brought marginal improvements, but the artist persisted, wearing tinted lenses in a quest to correct his color vision. The radiant Water Lilies that graced his pond, the iconic Japanese footbridge, and the ethereal play of light on haystacks—all continued to emerge from a mind that refused to surrender to the constraints of failing eyesight.

Comparison of the water lilies series before and after cataract.
Image from https://www.zeiss.com/vision-care/us/eye-health-and-care/understanding-vision/the-vision-of-monet.html

The Japanese Footbridge, 1922.
Image from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879806/#:~:text=THE%20JAPANESE%20FOOTBRIDGE%20

As Monet faced the twilight of his life, the world marveled at his ability to see beyond the visible spectrum, creating masterpieces that transcended the limitations of his eyes. Claude Monet passed away on December 5, 1926, leaving behind a legacy that continues to captivate art enthusiasts worldwide. His home in Giverny, now a sanctuary for admirers, echoes with the whispers of an artist who painted not just what he saw but what he felt. Monet's story is not just a chronicle of strokes on canvas but a testament to the enduring power of artistic vision in the face of adversity.

In recent years, the market value of Claude Monet's artworks has soared. Auction houses and private buyers alike eagerly vie for the opportunity to own a piece of his transcendent vision. The radiant colors, dynamic brushstrokes, and emotional depth present in Monet's creations make each piece a coveted investment. The enduring allure of Monet's art not only lies in its aesthetic appeal but also in the profound narrative of the artist who triumphed over the constraints of failing eyesight.

In a historic moment at Sotheby's Impressionist and Modern Art evening sale in May 2019, Monet's painting "Meules (Haystacks)" shattered records by selling for an astonishing $110.7 million. This monumental achievement reflected the enduring allure of Monet's work. Other notable sales include "Nymphéas en fleur (Water Lilies in Bloom)" at $84.6 million in 2018, and "Le Bassin aux Nymphéas (Water Lily Pond)" at $80.5 million in 2008. These staggering prices at auctions underscore the timeless value and universal admiration for Claude Monet's unparalleled artistic vision.

Meules (Haystacks), 1890-1891.
Image from https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/monets-meules-sells-for-astonishing-110-7-million-a-new-artist-record

Nymphéas en fleur (Water Lilies in Bloom), 1914-1917.
Image from https://verusart.com/blogs/news/top-5-most-expensive-claude-monet-paintings-ever-sold#

Le Bassin aux Nymphéas (Water Lily Pond), 1919.
Image from https://verusart.com/blogs/news/top-5-most-expensive-claude-monet-paintings-ever-sold

As the world continues to be captivated by Claude Monet's paintings, his legacy remains an indelible part of the art market, a testament to the timeless value of artistic vision and the profound impact one artist can have on generations to come.

 

Zhang Kaini's Unyielding Spirit

Fast forward to the present, where we encounter Kaini, a contemporary artist with a story that echoes Monet's resilience. Twenty-one years ago, a tragic car accident transformed Kaini into a quadriplegic, abruptly ending her career as a Chinese teacher. Yet, in the depths of despair, Kaini focused on adapting to her new reality for the sake of her children.

Inspired by the story of Joni Eareckson, a quadriplegic mouth artist, Kaini embarked on her artistic journey to paint with her mouth. Overcoming challenges like low blood pressure and mastering breathing control, Kaini's painting sessions evolved from 15 minutes to an impressive three hours.

Zhang, K. Paintings listed on meetarts.org that revolve around vibrant colours of flowers.
First row, Left to right: Peonies and Love Letters, Longings, Strawberries
Second row, Left to right: Wild Flowers of Spring, Warmly Glowing, Double Wellness

Kaini Zhang's art masterfully captures the vibrant diversity of nature. In "Peonies and Love Letters," luscious pink peonies bloom elegantly, while "Strawberries" presents an abstract, vivid representation with bright red berries. "Bloom" showcases bright lilies against a dark backdrop, radiating innocence. "Wild Flowers of Spring" evokes nature's revival, and "Double Wellness" features vibrant tulips on a sophisticated table. "Longings" provides a serene depiction of sunflowers, achieving a harmonious balance. Collectively, Kaini's paintings celebrate the rich and varied beauty of botanical life with artistic finesse.

Images from Kaini’s Instagram account

In the intricate dance between breath and brush, Kaini defies the limitations imposed by her physical condition. Holding the brush between her teeth, she navigates the canvas with nimble head movements, adding intricate details to her creations. Each stroke is a triumph over adversity, a celebration of the indomitable human spirit.

Zhang, K. Abundant Blessings

From the silk-lined table scattered with various fruits in "Abundant Blessings" to the vibrant sunflowers and daisies, Kaini's art reflects not only her technical prowess but also her ability to infuse joy into her creations. The process is meticulous, requiring a delicate balance of breath control to prevent unintended trembles. Yet, Kaini perseveres, transforming her limitations into a unique artistic expression.

A Parallel Journey

The parallels between Monet and Kaini are striking. Both artists navigated a world that posed formidable challenges to their craft. Monet, with failing eyesight, and Kaini, with limited physical mobility, exemplify the indomitable spirit that defines true artists.

Supporting Kaini's Art at MeetArts

In the spirit of championing artists who transcend physical challenges, we invite you to explore and acquire Kaini's artwork on the MeetArts website. Join us in celebrating the unyielding spirit of artists like Kaini, echoing the legacy of Claude Monet, as they paint their stories of triumph against all odds.

References

1. https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/guide-to-cataracts/claude-monets-art-and-the-impact-of-cataracts/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4879806/#:~:text=THE%20JAPANESE%20FOOTBRIDGE%20
3. https://www.claudemonetgallery.org/biography.html
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4408507/
5. https://www.meetarts.org/marketplace/seller/profile/shop/kaini-art
6. https://verusart.com/blogs/news/top-5-most-expensive-claude-monet-paintings-ever-sold#:~:text=Meules%20(Haystacks)%2C%201890%2D1891&text=The%20gavel%20came%20down%20at,on%20to%20find%20out%20exactly