Exploring the Heterogeneity and Commonality of Emotional Expression in Eastern and Western Painting Art

Abstract

Despite the heterogeneity between East and West in terms of emotional expression, there are some commonalities in their works of art. This study explores the heterogeneity and commonality of emotional expression in Eastern and Western painting, focusing on the works of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and Chinese artist Zhang Xiaogang. Rothko’s art seeks to evoke fundamental human emotions such as tragedy, ecstasy, and doom through his innovative use of color and form, leaving a profound impact on viewers. In contrast, Zhang Xiaogang emphasizes internalized and contemplative emotional expression, reflecting on individual destiny and historical themes, thereby illustrating the cultural distinctions in emotional expression between the East and the West. Despite the differences between the East and the West in terms of cultural background, aesthetic concepts, and artistic traditions, both Eastern and Western artworks convey deep emotional connotations and reflections on life and society. These differences and commonalities not only enrich the diversity of global art but also foster exchanges and integration between distinct cultures.