His former renderings of the atmosphere in global mega-cities, and the artist’s home Shanghai in particular, through the accumulation of crosses and x-symbols, are now overlaid by little stars and excepts of cosmic constellations. The various shades of blue and fine white lines in Appearance of Crosses 2024-04 emphasise the reference to the sky and stars. The work is executed in Ding Yi’s signature wood-cut technique in which the artist applies numerous layers of acrylic paint of wood which he subsequently scarps away, arriving at a distinctly digital and intense visuality. The diagonal rhythm of the painting alludes to light streams or radar images charting energies and human activity. The peaceful and considerate star lines seemingly constitute a balancing complement, turning Appearance of Crosses 2024-04 into an expression of the ambiguity between life in a modern world and the longing for eternity.