Artwork Description

Title: Girl
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 53.5 x 26.8 in (136 x 68 cm)

Artwork Identification
In Girl, Shaoli Chen captures a striking portrait of two fashionable young women standing amid lush banana fronds and rocks, blending elements of natural scenery with urban youth culture. One figure rests casually on a rock, while the other stands confidently holding a teddy bear in a bag—an endearing touch that evokes personal nostalgia and individuality.

Artistic Style and Influences
Chen merges traditional Chinese ink techniques with contemporary figuration and pop-culture sensibilities. The composition features meticulous linework, fluid washes, and expressive character design. The juxtaposition of historical landscape format with modern attire—striped tights, denim, and a plush toy—demonstrates the artist’s signature approach to fusing classical form with present-day narratives.

Historical Context
Created in an era marked by rapid modernization and cultural hybridity in China, Girl reflects the generational shift in visual identity. The use of traditional painting methods to depict youthful fashion and relaxed demeanor speaks to the coexistence of past and present within contemporary Chinese society.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. Colors remain vibrant, and the paper support is clean and structurally sound, with no tears, folds, or discoloration evident.

Artistic Significance
Girl is an emblematic work within Shaoli Chen’s oeuvre, presenting a nuanced narrative of female presence, modernity, and cultural fusion. The playfulness of the scene, set against a traditional backdrop, captures a moment of youth and self-expression—hallmarks of Chen’s artistic voice.