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 radiant fan-shaped composition, Begonia Remains the Same, Lv Jiang depicts a stylized female figure gazing outward from a halo of oversized yellow begonia blossoms. The subject’s finely drawn features are framed by cascading floral elements and pastel tones, her bold blue lips and pink eyeshadow enhancing the painting’s sense of dramatic allure.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This work exemplifies Lv Jiang’s distinctive fusion of classical Chinese brushwork and contemporary pop portraiture. Using the traditional fan format as a base, he infuses the subject with the flair of Peking Opera aesthetics—seen in the elaborate headpiece, arched eyebrows, and theatrical cosmetics. The loose, expressive watercolor technique and speckled pigment application lend the piece a dreamlike and ornamental quality.

3. Historical Context
Emerging from Nanjing’s rich artistic tradition, Lv Jiang brings a postmodern voice to a classical art form. His training in both traditional Chinese painting and contemporary media has allowed him to reinterpret literati aesthetics through the lens of gender, fantasy, and beauty. The Title: Begonia Remains the Same hints at constancy within transformation—echoing themes of identity and cultural heritage that run through his oeuvre.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper is clean and structurally sound, with vibrant color saturation and no visible damage. The inscriptions and artist seals are well preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
This painting captures Lv Jiang’s gift for theatrical visual storytelling within a compact, elegant form. His work expands the vocabulary of traditional ink painting while celebrating the vitality of feminine archetypes. A brilliant standalone piece, it also serves as a collectible exemplar of China’s contemporary ink revival.