Flowers
Mo Xiong
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Flowers
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 53.5 x 26.8 in (136 x 68 cm)
Artwork Identification
This vivid vertical composition, Title:d Flowers, reveals Mo Xiong’s mastery in blending expressive brushwork with luminous pigment applications. Featuring a single bird nestled among dense clusters of blossoms and foliage, the painting captures a lyrical moment suspended within nature’s vibrant thicket. Set against a radiant yellow backdrop, the scene is animated by layers of ink and chromatic splatters that bring texture and energy to the floral arrangement.
Artistic Style and Influences
The painting exemplifies Mo Xiong’s signature synthesis of classical Chinese brush painting and Western color theory. The spontaneous ink splashes and gestural brush marks recall the exuberance of Abstract Expressionism, while the bird and plant motifs evoke the literati tradition. This dynamic interplay reflects Mo’s dual influences, drawing from Eastern poeticism and modern painterly innovation.
Historical Context
In the broader landscape of post-1980s Chinese art, Mo Xiong’s work responds to a shifting cultural ethos that embraces both heritage and experimentation. His paintings participate in the resurgence of nature-themed ink art, yet they also speak to a global visual language. This piece, with its harmonious integration of symbolism and abstraction, mirrors the evolution of Chinese aesthetics in an age of international dialogue.
Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper surface is stable and unblemished, and the pigments remain crisp and unfaded. The splatter detailing is intentional, forming part of the artist’s technique rather than deterioration.
Artistic Significance
Flowers is a prime example of Mo Xiong’s visual poetry—balancing delicacy with dynamism. It stands as a testament to his rare ability to modernize tradition without compromising its integrity. Collectors and institutions alike will find in this piece a compelling confluence of technique, beauty, and cultural resonance.