Artwork Description

Title:8.5230

Artist Zhirou Chen

Date :2008

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions 16.9 x 15.7 in (43 x 40 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
8.5230 Untitled is an abstract oil painting by Zhirou Chen, measuring 16.9 x 15.7 inches (43 x 40 cm). Executed in oil on canvas, the work features broad, gestural brushstrokes arranged in a composition that fuses abstraction with landscape references. A muted palette dominated by earthy neutrals and subdued blues is accented by warmer tones, creating a harmonious yet dynamic visual balance. The surface texture and layered paint application add depth, evoking a sense of movement akin to wind or flowing water.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The painting belongs to Chen’s abstract expressionist-inspired period, blending Western abstract methodologies with an Eastern sensibility for nature and atmosphere. While entirely non-representational, the arrangement of forms and tonal transitions suggests a conceptual link to natural landscapes—mountains, skies, or rivers. The tactile quality and free, intuitive brushwork bear affinities to mid-20th-century abstraction, as seen in the works of Zao Wou-Ki, while maintaining a distinct personal language.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2008, this work reflects the ongoing evolution of Chinese abstraction during the early 21st century, a time when artists like Chen explored expressive freedom in response to rapid modernization. Rejecting the prescriptive realism of previous decades, Chen’s works of this era embody a meditative, intuitive engagement with the environment, signaling both continuity with traditional Chinese landscape aesthetics and dialogue with global abstract practices.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for detailed provenance and authentication documentation. Certificates of authenticity are available upon request.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition, with no visible signs of deterioration, paint loss, or structural issues. The canvas is stable, and the paint layer exhibits strong adhesion. Preventive care, including controlled humidity and avoidance of prolonged direct light, is recommended to preserve its surface integrity and chromatic balance.

6. Artistic Significance
8.5230 Untitled holds a significant position within Chen’s oeuvre for its refined interplay between gesture and atmosphere. The piece exemplifies Chen’s ability to create meditative yet dynamic compositions, aligning with the broader trajectory of Chinese abstract art while retaining an unmistakably individual character. Its layered textures and evocative chromatic subtleties position it as a work of both scholarly interest and strong market appeal for collectors seeking contemporary abstraction with cultural depth.