Artwork Description

Title:9.1937

Artist Zhirou Chen

Date 2009

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions 17.3 x 15.7 in (44 x 40 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
9.1937 Untitled by Zhirou Chen is a vibrant oil on canvas work, measuring 17.3 x 15.7 inches (44 x 40 cm). The composition is characterized by its dynamic interplay of warm and cool hues—orange and yellow tones colliding with deep blues and purples—creating a sense of movement and expressive intensity. Bold, sweeping brushstrokes dominate the surface, emphasizing the materiality of the Medium: and the artist’s gestural approach.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This painting aligns with the principles of Abstract Expressionism and elements of Lyrical Abstraction, prioritizing emotion and spontaneity over figuration. Zhirou Chen’s work reveals an affinity with mid-20th-century Western abstraction, while maintaining an underlying sensitivity to atmospheric qualities rooted in traditional Chinese aesthetics. The layering of colors and the free gestural approach recall the works of artists such as Zao Wou-Ki, who merged Eastern philosophy with Western abstraction.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2009, 9.1937 Untitled emerges from a period when Chinese contemporary art was actively negotiating its relationship with global art movements. The late 2000s witnessed a surge of experimentation among Chinese painters, who explored abstraction as a form of individual expression in contrast to earlier state-sanctioned realism. Chen’s abstract compositions reflect a personal engagement with universal themes of nature, energy, and emotion during this transformative period in China’s art scene.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Provenance details and an authenticity certificate are available upon request. Please contact the gallery directly for further information.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in excellent condition, with no visible signs of pigment loss, cracking, or structural instability. The paint surface retains its vibrancy, and the canvas is properly tensioned on its stretcher. There is no evidence of restoration or retouching. Recommended care includes maintaining stable humidity and avoiding direct sunlight to preserve pigment integrity.

6. Artistic Significance
9.1937 Untitled exemplifies Zhirou Chen’s mastery of abstract language, fusing gestural vigor with nuanced chromatic harmonies. This work represents a key moment in the dialogue between Eastern and Western abstraction, underscoring Chen’s contribution to the evolution of Chinese modern art. Collectors and scholars alike regard such works as vital records of China’s artistic globalization during the early 21st century, marking their importance in both academic discourse and the international art market.