"Characters" by Ding Shaoguang is a compelling painting that portrays a seated female figure from a profile angle. The central figure holds a butterfly delicately in her hand, and she is surrounded by lush vegetation. The dark background creates a striking contrast with the brightly colored elements in the foreground, capturing the viewer's attention.

One of the notable features of this artwork is its fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. The flat representation of the figure and surroundings alludes to the classic two-dimensionality found in Chinese traditional painting. However, Ding Shaoguang introduces a modern twist by employing almost electric hues and bold, bright contours, bringing traditional Chinese art into dialogue with contemporary influences.

Details:
Artist: Ding Shaoguang (Chinese American painter)
Title: "Characters"
Date: 2008
Medium: Gouache/Watercolor
Dimensions: 68 x 68 cm
Condition Report: Some fine cracks, otherwise in good condition.
Signature and Date: Lower left corner

About the Artist:
Ding Shaoguang (1939-) is an outstanding Chinese-American artist renowned for his mastery of modern heavy color painting. He graduated from the Central Academy of Arts and Design (now the Academy of Fine Arts, Tsinghua University).
In 1980, he created a large-scale mural titled "Dawn of Banna" for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Subsequently, he settled in the United States to fulfill familial duties.
Ding Shaoguang achieved international recognition when, in 1990, he was selected as one of the 100 most outstanding art masters in the world since the 14th century at the Tokyo International Art Exhibition in Japan, ranking 29th. He was the only Chinese artist to receive this honor.
From 1993 to 1995, six of his works, including "Xishuangbanna," "Lullaby," and "Culture and Education," were issued by the United Nations as limited stamps and prints, showcasing his global recognition.
In 1996, the "'Ding Shaoguang Award' National Art Exhibition" named after him was held in the National Art Museum of China. He continued to create significant works, including a large-scale stained glass mural titled "The Source of Life" for the Shanghai Cultural Plaza in 2009.
Ding Shaoguang has also contributed to the world of literature, publishing his biography titled "Birds of Paradise: Ding Shaoguang's Art Paradigm" in 2017. He collaborated with a sculptor to create the sculpture "Harmony" for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Biography:
Ding Shaoguang graduated from the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts in 1962.
From 1962 to 1980, he taught at Yunnan Art Institute.
In 1979, he created a large-scale mural titled "Beautiful, Rich and Magical Xishuangbanna" for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
He moved to the United States in 1980, where he continued to develop his artistic career.
Notably, Ding Shaoguang's works have been featured in over 400 solo exhibitions worldwide, with his art collected in 50 countries and regions.

Honors and Achievements:
Ding Shaoguang received significant recognition from the United Nations, with his works commemorating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Year of the Family.
In 2008, he donated the print of "Heaven, Earth, and Man" to the "Love 2008" large-scale public welfare event, earning the China Charity Special Contribution Award.
He has also participated in various art auctions and exhibitions, gaining global acclaim for his contributions to art and culture.

Ding Shaoguang holds numerous honorary and visiting professor titles at universities worldwide and serves as the president of the International Chinese Artists Association and the first chairman of the American World Artists Union. He has received various awards and recognitions from governments and social organizations in different countries, including honorary citizenship and the naming of "Ding Shaoguang Day."