Flowers and Birds
You Ming
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Flowers and Birds
Artist: You Ming
Date: 2016
Medium: Ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 19.7 x 19.7 in (50 x 50 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
Executed in 2016, Flowers and Birds by You Ming is a vivid and contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional theme. Rendered in ink and color on paper, the composition bursts with gestural floral forms and dynamic brushwork. The painting features a dense visual rhythm of blossoms, leaves, and abstracted avian shapes in a kaleidoscope of red, yellow, blue, and black tones, evoking movement and seasonal vitality.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
You Ming's work bridges the boundary between classical Chinese ink traditions and modern abstract expression. Employing freehand (xieyi) brush techniques alongside bold chromatic accents, the artist draws influence from both postwar Western abstraction and the New Ink Painting movement of the late 20th century. The interplay of linear marks and washes recalls the visual spontaneity of Zhang Daqian’s late splashed-ink works while embracing a youthful palette and loose composition.
3. Historical Context
Created in 2016, this piece emerges from a period marked by global experimentation in ink art, as younger generations of Chinese artists began redefining classical formats. You Ming's Flowers and Birds fits within this context, showcasing a contemporary vision rooted in cultural heritage. The Title: nods to the traditional Chinese painting genre (花鸟画), while the stylistic language asserts a break from conservative formalism.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper surface remains clean and stable, with no visible creasing, tears, or discoloration. The pigments retain their full chromatic vibrancy. No evidence of restoration is present, and the work has been well preserved.
6. Artistic Significance
This painting stands as a compelling testament to the evolution of Chinese ink art in the 21st century. By blending gestural abstraction with botanical motifs, You Ming reinvigorates the genre of flower-and-bird painting with energy and modern sensibility. The result is a work of both visual exuberance and scholarly interest, suitable for collectors attuned to the convergence of tradition and innovation in contemporary Asian art.