Artwork Description

Title: Models
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 30.3 x 28.3 in (77 x 72 cm)

Artwork Identification
Models is a vibrant and intimate ink and watercolor composition by Shaoli Chen, depicting two young women posed casually in an interior space, accompanied by a long-haired dog. The figures are framed by a richly patterned carpet and a sideboard adorned with flowers, creating a domestic scene infused with personality and charm.

Artistic Style and Influences
Shaoli Chen’s signature blend of traditional brushwork with contemporary imagery is clearly evident in this work. From the casual confidence of the women's attire to the playful presence of the dog and toy ball, every element is rendered with fine ink lines and delicately applied watercolor. The fashionable clothing, slouched posture, and props echo streetwear culture and everyday modernity, bridging classical technique and popular aesthetic.

Historical Context
A professor and master tutor at Nanjing University of the Arts, Chen stands among the most prominent figures in the evolution of modern Chinese ink painting. Models offers a portrait of contemporary femininity that resists formal staging in favor of spontaneous realism—documenting lifestyle and self-expression in post-reform China.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. Colors remain vibrant and the paper is structurally sound with no visible damage or fading.

Artistic Significance
Models exemplifies Shaoli Chen’s ability to convey mood, identity, and quiet narrative through decorative and expressive composition. The scene feels both personal and universally relatable, making it a striking example of how classical mediums can be revitalized to reflect contemporary social life.