Artwork Description

Title: 401 of the Contact
Artist: Jin Yu
Date: 2012
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 60 x 48 in (152.4 x 122 cm)

Artwork Identification:
In 401 of the Contact, Jin Yu masterfully depicts two female figures frozen in a moment of expressive movement, one rendered in grayscale and the other in vibrant red. The interplay of stillness and motion, contrast and harmony, captures the dualities of human emotion and identity. The figures’ dynamic poses and intricate garments evoke a narrative of internal dialogue or cultural tension, inviting the viewer into a complex visual choreography.

Artistic Style and Influences:
Jin Yu’s style is distinguished by a synthesis of classical Chinese figuration with a highly stylized, emotive visual vocabulary. His approach marries fine technical draftsmanship with symbolic color blocking—especially his signature use of red. Drawing on traditional Chinese aesthetics, modern realism, and expressive abstraction, Jin creates emotionally charged, theatrical tableaux. His technique of layering movement and feeling lends his paintings a dreamlike atmosphere, shaped by introspection and psychological nuance.

Historical Context:
Born in Heilongjiang in 1979 and educated at Shenzhen University, Jin Yu represents a post-1970s generation of Chinese artists navigating the cultural crossroads of tradition and globalization. As a member of both the Shenzhen Artists Association and Italy’s FLY ART Association, Jin Yu has engaged in an active international dialogue, reflecting on evolving values, identity politics, and the transformation of Chinese society. His 2012 work speaks to the sensibilities of an era marked by rapid modernization and shifting aesthetic frameworks.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The painting is in very good condition. The surface shows no signs of restoration, discoloration, or damage. The canvas retains its structural integrity, and the color fields remain vibrant and stable.

Artistic Significance:
401 of the Contact stands as a defining piece within Jin Yu’s broader exploration of emotional duality and cultural synthesis. It exemplifies his ongoing preoccupation with the internal states of his subjects—captured through movement, gesture, and symbolic use of color. Widely exhibited and collected internationally, Jin Yu’s paintings resonate with collectors and scholars for their technical brilliance and thematic depth. This work, in particular, represents the maturity of his visual language and his continued contribution to the evolving narrative of contemporary Chinese art.