The artwork titled “Year of the Monkey,” created by artist Victo Ngai in 2016 in the United States, employs a digital and mixed media approach. Falling under the Fantasy Art movement and classified as an illustration, the artwork encapsulates a vibrant and imaginative celebration of the Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac.
The artwork presents a whimsical and tightly knit composition of a group of monkeys winding in a vertical chain formation, descending from the top of the scene. The background features a golden-yellow sky dotted with twinkling stars and fluffy, soft-edged clouds, lending the piece a fantastical ambience. The monkeys are depicted in various playful postures, with each one grasping the tail or limb of another, creating a sense of acrobatic dynamism and unity. The scene unfolds between towering, stylized black mountains illuminated with specks of yellow, adding depth and contrast. Reflecting ponds in the foreground, with minimalist and serene lily pads, amplify the enchanting and serene atmosphere of the overarching illustration. The delicate interplay of shapes and colors masterfully highlights the festive and joyful spirit emblematic of the Year of the Monkey.
