High-color Figure
Lv Jiang
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title:High-color Figure
Artist
Lv Jiang
Date
n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions
27.2 × 6.7 in (69 × 17 cm) & 14.6 × 10.6 in (37 × 27 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
This vibrant diptych by Lv Jiang, executed in ink and watercolor on paper, presents two compositions from the artist’s renowned High-color Figure series. The first, a tall vertical format, measures 69 × 17 cm, while the second, shaped like a fan with curved upper edges, measures 37 × 27 cm. Both works are richly detailed and feature stylized female figures rendered in whimsical, dreamlike settings of oversized flora and kaleidoscopic vegetation. The use of saturated pigments and fine ink linework creates a surreal visual language that is instantly recognizable within Lv Jiang’s oeuvre.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Lv Jiang’s visual language is rooted in a fusion of contemporary Chinese ink painting and illustrative stylization reminiscent of Pop Surrealism. His works often merge narrative figuration with decorative botanical elements, channeling influences from traditional Chinese art, Art Nouveau, and manga aesthetics. The exaggerated anatomy, masked expressions, and lush color palette are hallmarks of his artistic identity, positioning his work at the intersection of fantasy and critique.
3. Historical Context
Created in the post-2000s wave of contemporary Chinese art, Lv Jiang’s practice reflects a generation of artists who blend classical technique with bold, postmodern iconography. Emerging from Nanjing’s cultural milieu, his work dialogues with the resurgence of individualized expression in Chinese painting, particularly among artists seeking to redefine ink and watercolor within the context of global art trends. His “High-color Figure” series responds to contemporary discourses on femininity, nature, and narrative autonomy.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
Both works are preserved in very good condition. No evident signs of deterioration, fading, or surface wear are present. The paper is stable, and the pigments retain their original luminosity. No restoration has been undertaken or is currently required.
6. Artistic Significance
Lv Jiang stands as a compelling voice in contemporary Chinese art, particularly within the genre of figurative ink painting. As a professor and mentor at Nanjing Art College, his influence extends beyond his own studio practice into academic and curatorial domains. These two compositions exemplify his commitment to visual storytelling through a distinctly modern Chinese idiom, making them highly desirable acquisitions for collectors interested in the evolution of post-traditional Chinese painting.