The Running Demon

In The Running Demon, composition and colour collide to create a powerful sense of urgent, unstoppable momentum. Utilising a bold, abstract-figurative style, the painting features an elongated, horned figure captured mid-stride against a clean, neutral expanse. The figure’s form is constructed through sharp contrasts: solid blocks of electric blue and vibrant red are juxtaposed with a striking, hand-painted spotted pattern on the legs, evoking a primal, leopard-like velocity. Deliberately positioned in the upper portion of the frame to suspend the figure in mid-air, the artwork relies on flat colours, precise outlines, and strategic white accents to transform an internal mental visualisation of a chase into a high-impact, graphic reality.

Acrylic paint on primed 3mm MDF board with gloss varnish finish.
This painting comes with an external frame.
The frame is in oak colour.

The artwork size is 40cm (W) x 50cm (H) x 0.3cm (D)
The external frame size is 42cm (W) x 52cm (H) x 3.3cm (D)

Follow

Specialising in abstract-figurative acrylics, Yiwei Shi explores the human form through a lens of joyful distortion. Based in Sydney, Shi is known for his ability to distil complex movement into decisive, two-dimensional visions.

His portfolio oscillates between two compelling modes: a serene minimalism characterised by flat colour and simple backgrounds, and a detailed, pattern-rich aesthetic often seen in his dynamic sports illustrations. By omitting intricate details in one piece and celebrating them in the next, Shi highlights the diverse textures of human life. His work is unified by his celebration of the "extraordinary posture," reshaped to amplify drama and spark a connection with the viewer. Each canvas is a testament to his belief that beauty and humour are found in every gesture.