Artwork Description

Title:Wallowing in the World
Artist: Li Yan
Date: 2015–2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 38.2 x 34.3 in (97 x 87 cm)

Artwork Identification
Wallowing in the World by Li Yan is a striking oil painting on canvas measuring 97 by 87 centimeters. The work is dominated by an intense and vibrant red palette, enveloping the viewer in a visually commanding atmosphere. Li Yan’s expressive brushwork and bold use of color create a dynamic surface that conveys emotional depth and complexity, inviting contemplation on the human condition.

Artistic Style and Influences
This painting reflects Li Yan’s engagement with expressionist and abstract tendencies, where color and texture become primary vehicles for psychological and emotional exploration. The dominance of red evokes associations ranging from passion and vitality to struggle and introspection. Li’s style resonates with the legacy of Abstract Expressionism and contemporary Chinese avant-garde art, combining raw energy with refined painterly control.

Historical Context
Created during 2015–2016, Wallowing in the World emerges amid a global artistic climate marked by intense introspection and sociopolitical awareness. The work’s chromatic intensity and gestural application speak to wider concerns about identity, existence, and emotional turbulence in a rapidly changing world. It also dialogues with China’s contemporary art scene, where artists often use abstraction to express nuanced personal and collective narratives.

Provenance and Authenticity
For detailed provenance and certificates of authenticity, please contact the gallery directly.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition, with no visible surface damage or signs of restoration. The oil paint surface maintains its vibrancy and texture, and the canvas is well-stretched. Standard conservation measures are recommended.

Artistic Significance
Wallowing in the World is a powerful testament to Li Yan’s mastery of color and expressive form. The painting holds a significant place in the artist’s oeuvre as a bold exploration of emotional and existential themes through abstraction. Its compelling visual intensity makes it a distinguished work for collectors and institutions invested in contemporary Chinese painting and global expressionist trends.