Artwork Description

Title:Knowledge Youth

Artist Lv Jiang

Date 2016

Medium: Ink on paper

Dimensions Diameter 50 cm (19.7 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Knowledge Youth is a circular ink composition that presents a relaxed, introspective young woman seated beside an intricately patterned vase of flowers. Her soft expression and casual pose—enhanced by the tilt of her glasses—suggest a narrative of modern femininity, contemplation, and quiet intelligence. The work stands out for its integration of floral elements and decorative patterning into the portrait setting.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Executed in monochromatic ink, this painting demonstrates Lv Jiang’s fluency in classical Chinese brushwork combined with contemporary figuration. The choice of grayscale tones and the round composition (reminiscent of traditional Chinese fan paintings) give the work both a nostalgic and modern aesthetic. The stylization of the woman’s form and attire reflects influences from both traditional portraiture and modern lifestyle imagery.

3. Historical Context
In Knowledge Youth, Lv Jiang bridges classical Chinese literati aesthetics with the image of an urban intellectual woman. The work can be seen as part of a broader trend in Chinese contemporary art that revisits and reimagines classical formats and symbols to address modern identity, gender roles, and cultural continuity.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The ink is stable with no evidence of bleeding or fading, and the paper shows no signs of creasing or discoloration.

6. Artistic Significance
A subtle yet powerful meditation on youth, femininity, and the fusion of old and new, Knowledge Youth exemplifies Lv Jiang’s ability to imbue traditional Chinese painting with fresh contemporary resonance. The circular format and floral motifs lend symbolic elegance to the personal tone of the work, making it both intimate and timeless.