Artwork Description

Title: Portrait
Artist: Yu Jun
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 24.8 x 14.6 in (63 x 37 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This expressive ink and watercolor portrait by Yu Jun captures a female figure in mid-motion, her gaze lifted and distant, evoking a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth. The artist’s signature blend of precise linework and fluid color washes outlines her form and transparent dress, emphasizing the textures of both fabric and flesh. The poised figure is rendered with striking sensitivity, showcasing Yu Jun’s refined grasp of anatomy and gesture.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Yu Jun’s work fuses the classical Chinese gongbi technique with modern figurative realism. His minimalist use of color and bold contouring reflects influences from both Eastern ink painting traditions and Western contemporary fashion illustration. The stylization of the female figure—simultaneously delicate and empowered—reflects his intent to reinterpret traditional portraiture through a modern, individualistic lens.

3. Historical Context
Emerging in the post-1980s era of Chinese contemporary art, Yu Jun’s portraits highlight a generation’s shifting focus from collective ideology to personal identity and aesthetics. This work represents a quiet defiance of conservative norms, celebrating expressive femininity and the inner complexity of his subjects. The interplay between fragility and confidence in the figure speaks to larger conversations about gender, modernity, and emotional presence.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The colors are vibrant, and the paper is free from visible blemishes or damage. The wooden frame is also in excellent condition, presenting the work attractively for display or collection.

6. Artistic Significance
This portrait exemplifies Yu Jun’s contribution to redefining the female figure in contemporary Chinese ink painting. With its nuanced emotional tone and skillful handling of line and wash, the piece highlights the artist’s ability to capture both the physical and psychological presence of his subjects. It is a compelling and collectible work that enhances any modern or cross-cultural art collection.