Artwork Description

Title: Cool Summer
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 29.9 x 28.7 in (76 x 73 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
“Cool Summer” is a captivating ink and watercolor composition by renowned contemporary Chinese artist Shaoli Chen. Measuring 76 x 73 cm, the piece portrays two young women in casual summer attire, rendered in a graceful synthesis of traditional brushwork and modern fashion sensibilities. The figures—sporting sun hats, cropped trousers, and relaxed postures—stand amidst a rock garden enlivened by stylized vegetation and shaded textures, showcasing Chen’s command of figure and setting alike.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Blending classical Chinese ink painting traditions with a playful, illustrative approach to contemporary youth culture, Chen’s work is a signature example of postmodern hybridity in Chinese art. The artist’s expressive linework and soft coloration recall the literati painting tradition, while the whimsical fashion elements—caps, sneakers, and handbags—connect the piece to present-day urban sensibilities. This merging of East and West, past and present, is emblematic of Chen’s unique visual language.

3. Historical Context
Shaoli Chen emerged as a formative voice in the reform-era art movement in China, a period that saw an embrace of personal expression and experimentation following the Cultural Revolution. “Cool Summer” reflects the confidence and individuality of a new generation of women, contextualized within a broader cultural moment where traditional aesthetics were being reimagined in light of modern consumer culture and gender discourse.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper remains structurally sound, with well-preserved pigment application and no visible foxing, discoloration, or moisture damage. No conservation treatment is currently necessary.

6. Artistic Significance
Shaoli Chen’s paintings offer a rare fusion of the poetic and the playful. His depictions of contemporary femininity—infused with classical technique and sensitivity—bridge generational and stylistic divides, making his work both academically significant and market desirable. “Cool Summer” stands as an evocative example of Chen’s oeuvre and a compelling commentary on youth and identity in 21st-century China.