Artwork Description

Title: New Year Pictures
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
New Year Pictures presents two fashionable young women posed confidently in an interior space adorned with traditional Chinese wall prints. This ink and watercolor composition by Shaoli Chen merges vibrant contemporary figures with cultural symbolism, capturing the interplay between heritage and modern identity.

Artistic Style and Influences
Shaoli Chen skillfully employs classical Chinese ink techniques to render subjects drawn from contemporary urban life. In this work, the bright clothing, high heels, and accessories contrast with the stylized New Year prints on the wall—a juxtaposition that highlights the tension and harmony between past and present. The ornamental carpet and potted plant further anchor the scene in a richly textured domestic space.

Historical Context
As a professor at Nanjing University of the Arts and a leading figure in the evolution of Chinese ink painting, Shaoli Chen’s work reflects both a respect for traditional aesthetics and a critical eye for modern life. New Year Pictures subtly nods to cultural continuity while exploring how Chinese women of the 21st century navigate self-presentation, fashion, and environment.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, with well-preserved colors and no visible signs of wear, fading, or damage.

Artistic Significance
New Year Pictures is emblematic of Shaoli Chen’s visual storytelling, where delicate brushwork and modern narratives meet. The work draws viewers into a space of cultural reflection, where the echoes of tradition coexist with confident expressions of youth and individuality—making it a compelling piece for collectors of modern Chinese ink painting.