A poignant and thought-provoking oil on canvas painting from the "Tree of the Future" series by Guangchen Zhao, presenting a barren tree adorned with artificial elements against a desolate backdrop. The work explores themes of environmental degradation, loss, and existential reflection, embodying the artist's sense of urgency about global challenges.

Title
12

Artist
Guangchen Zhao (1961-2009)

Medium
Oil on canvas

Dimensions
160 x 160 cm

Condition Report
Good

Notes

Signed lower right.
This piece is part of the "Tree of the Future" series, inspired by Zhao's installation work on the Chaobai River.
The series addresses critical global concerns, such as environmental degradation and societal crises, using surreal imagery and symbolic motifs.
About the Artist
Zhao Guangchen (1961-2009) was a Chinese contemporary artist born in Jilin. He graduated from Northeast Normal University in 1968 and played a vital role in the contemporary art movement in Songzhuang. Zhao's works delve into themes of global crises, including war, environmental degradation, and humanity's uncertain future. He often juxtaposed dystopian imagery with utopian aspirations, reflecting his deep sense of social responsibility and moral introspection.

Throughout his career, Zhao participated in numerous significant exhibitions, including "Tree of the Future" (solo exhibition, 2007) and group exhibitions such as the "Northeast Ten Youth Art Exhibition" (1988), "Contemporary Young Artists Exhibition" (2005), and "Into New York" (2008). His art often grappled with the fragility of nature, human suffering, and the quest for redemption.