Artwork Description

Title: Ominous List
Artist: Yun Liu
Date: Undated
Medium: Chinese painting on paper (series of scrolls)
Dimensions: 12.6 x 24.8 x 3.1 in (32 x 63 x 8 cm) — overall for the set of 8 works
1. Artwork Identification
Ominous List by Yun Liu consists of eight scroll paintings presented as a unified set. Each piece exemplifies the elegance of traditional Chinese landscape art, featuring panoramic views of mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and architectural elements such as pavilions and bridges. The cohesive style and format suggest that the works were conceived as a thematic series, capturing the seasonal or atmospheric variations of an idealized natural world.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This series adheres to the Shan Shui (mountain-water) tradition, which prioritizes expressive brushwork, rhythmic composition, and a contemplative mood over naturalistic representation. Yun Liu demonstrates mastery in ink modulation and spatial organization, evoking a lineage that extends back to Song and Yuan dynasty literati painting, while incorporating subtle color tones associated with later Ming-Qing innovations. The scroll format enhances the immersive experience, encouraging sequential viewing as a meditative act.

3. Historical Context
Scroll painting occupies a central place in Chinese cultural history, serving as a medium for intellectual and spiritual engagement among scholars and connoisseurs. Landscape art in this tradition was never purely decorative; it functioned as a visual philosophy rooted in Taoist harmony and Confucian order, representing the moral ideal of retreat into nature. Yun Liu’s series, while contemporary, resonates strongly with these enduring ideals, situating the work within a continuum of cultural heritage.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Provenance details and an authenticity statement are available upon request. Please contact the gallery for certification and acquisition history.

5. Condition and Conservation
All eight scrolls are in excellent condition, with stable pigments, intact paper structure, and no visible signs of deterioration. Minimal handling and proper display conditions are recommended to maintain the integrity of the delicate paper and ink surfaces.

6. Artistic Significance
Ominous List stands out as a contemporary interpretation of the classical Chinese scroll tradition, demonstrating how modern artists engage with historical forms to explore continuity and innovation. The set reflects both the technical discipline of ink painting and its role as a vehicle for philosophical and aesthetic expression, making it an important contribution to the dialogue between past and present in Chinese art.