Artwork Description

Title: Nameless
Artist: Xiu He

Date: Undated

Medium: Chinese painting on paper

Dimensions:
42 × 49 cm (16.5 × 19.3 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Nameless is a whimsical and surreal painting by Xiu He, measuring 42 × 49 cm. The composition features a stylized teddy bear-like figure rendered in dark green and black tones, positioned on a checkered floor. Behind the figure, a window opens to a serene landscape, while balloons—three in a cluster and one floating—add playful yet enigmatic accents. The restrained color palette and surreal narrative elements distinguish this work as both contemporary and imaginative.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The painting demonstrates an intersection of Surrealism and contemporary pop-inspired aesthetics, characterized by dreamlike settings and symbolic figures. The teddy bear motif hints at themes of nostalgia and innocence, while the juxtaposition of domestic and natural environments echoes the psychological explorations common in Surrealist art. The visual language also recalls aspects of East Asian contemporary painting, where traditional media meet conceptual storytelling.

3. Historical Context
This work reflects the growing trend in Chinese contemporary art toward hybridization of Western surrealistic sensibilities and indigenous aesthetics. Emerging from the post-1980s generation of artists, Xiu He’s practice challenges conventional narratives by infusing personal and cultural symbolism into everyday objects, exploring ideas of identity, memory, and emotional landscapes.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for provenance details and authenticity certificates.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in excellent condition. The paper support is stable, with no evidence of discoloration, foxing, or structural compromise. Pigments and surface details are intact, requiring no conservation intervention.

6. Artistic Significance
Nameless stands out for its playful yet introspective character, merging figurative imagery with conceptual depth. By employing an unconventional subject and surreal visual strategies, Xiu He contributes to dialogues surrounding personal identity and the boundaries between reality and imagination in contemporary Chinese painting.