Small Encounters

Small Encounters brings together three intimate paintings based on overlooked objects and natural fragments. A discarded translucent plastic bag resembles a stray dog, fallen plant forms become tiny slippers or mushrooms, and the inside of a split lotus seed reveals a small hidden figure.

Working at a small scale encourages close and careful viewing. These paintings treat pareidolia not as an illusion to be corrected, but as a personal way of encountering the world. Familiar materials remain recognisable while simultaneously opening into imagined lives and identities.

A painting on silk depicting a translucent discarded plastic bag whose shape resembles a small dachshund seen from behind and turning its head.
Stray

Linfei Liu, Stray, 2026. Mineral pigments, watercolour and Chinese painting pigments on silk, 15 × 20 cm.

A painting on silk depicting a split lotus seed whose rounded interior resembles a small figure concealed within it.
Within

Linfei Liu, Within, 2026. Mineral pigments, watercolour and Chinese painting pigments on silk, 15 × 20 cm.

A painting on silk showing small fallen plant forms that resemble tiny slippers or mushrooms, suggesting a trail of steps.
Little Steps

Linfei Liu, Little Steps, 2026. Mineral pigments, watercolour and Chinese painting pigments on silk, 15 × 20 cm.