Flowers
Mo Xiong
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Flowers
Artist: Mo Xiong
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper mounted on cardboard
Dimensions: 26.4 x 7.1 in (67 x 18 cm)
Artwork Identification
This unique vertical composition by Mo Xiong presents a vibrant and dynamic floral arrangement contained within a tall, slender vase reminiscent of Chinese ceramic forms. The surface is alive with bold splashes of pigment—terracotta, azure, ivory, and olive—cascading upward in a radiant burst of color and form. The work's energy is amplified by expressive drips and spatters, with careful layering creating depth and movement.
Artistic Style and Influences
Mo Xiong’s hallmark blend of Chinese and Western traditions is elegantly realized in this piece. The composition evokes traditional Chinese scroll painting in its vertical orientation and calligraphic brushstrokes, while the explosive use of Western watercolor techniques introduces an improvisational flair. The rhythmic chaos of abstract expressionism meets the symbolic delicacy of floral painting, creating a compelling aesthetic fusion.
Historical Context
The vase motif, deeply rooted in Chinese visual culture, symbolizes containment of beauty and peace. Mo Xiong reinterprets this tradition through a lens of contemporary abstraction. In contrast to static still life conventions, his flowers appear to be in constant bloom—expanding beyond their physical container and echoing themes of vitality, transformation, and balance.
Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper and cardboard backing are structurally sound, with no visible warping or damage. Colors remain rich and saturated.
Artistic Significance
This piece exemplifies Mo Xiong’s signature artistic voice: poetic, explosive, and cross-cultural. Its unusual dimensions, paired with a striking use of color and form, make it a standout work among contemporary Chinese ink and watercolor still lifes. Ideal for collectors interested in the evolving dialogue between tradition and innovation in modern Chinese art.