Artwork Description

Title: Begonia Remains the Same
Artist: Lv Jiang
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 8.3 x 23.6 in (21 x 60 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
In this vividly stylized fan-shaped painting, Begonia Remains the Same, Lv Jiang presents a striking portrait of a mythic feminine figure rendered in turquoise-blue tones, surrounded by bold begonia blossoms and adorned with golden-yellow hair and ornamental headwear. Executed in ink and watercolor on paper, the composition fuses theatrical elegance with contemporary visual language, accentuated by vibrant splashes of color and dynamic linework.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The piece exemplifies Lv Jiang’s signature blend of traditional Chinese painting formats with expressive figuration and fantastical stylization. The flattened profile, elaborate costume elements, and saturated palette evoke influences from Dunhuang frescoes, Chinese opera, and pop surrealism. Floral motifs—particularly the begonias—are transformed into graphic emblems of emotional resonance, while the figure’s sly expression adds a layer of narrative intrigue.

3. Historical Context
As a professor and scholar born in Nanjing in 1975, Lv Jiang’s work exists at the intersection of heritage and reinvention. With formal training at Nanjing Art College and Suzhou University, he is a leading voice in contemporary Chinese ink experimentation. In this piece, he reclaims the fan as both physical object and cultural metaphor—recasting it as a canvas for imaginative self-expression, feminine mystique, and symbolic continuity. The begonia, long a poetic symbol of enduring beauty and memory in Chinese art, is here reinterpreted through a fantastical lens.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper is stable and well-preserved, with no visible creases, staining, or wear. The ink and watercolor pigments remain bold and saturated. The brushwork and inscription are clear and intact, with no evidence of fading or restoration.

6. Artistic Significance
Begonia Remains the Same is a compelling example of Lv Jiang’s innovative reimagining of classical Chinese painting formats. This variation, with its cool palette and operatic presence, offers a fresh emotional register within the artist’s broader practice. It is both celebratory and introspective—an artwork that transforms tradition into something personal, theatrical, and visually unforgettable. Ideal for collectors of contemporary Chinese art with an eye for hybrid aesthetics and narrative symbolism.