Artwork Description

Title: Begonia Remains the Same
Artist: Lv Jiang
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on paper
Dimensions: 8.7 x 24.8 in (22 x 63 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This vivid fan-shaped work by Lv Jiang features a stylized female portrait enveloped in lush botanical forms. Measuring 22 x 63 cm, the composition showcases the artist’s signature combination of expressive linework and exuberant color. The female figure, adorned with a headpiece and painted with theatrical makeup, gazes toward the viewer with poise, framed by blooming yellow flowers and layered foliage.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Executed in ink and watercolor, the work reflects a vibrant synergy between traditional Chinese aesthetics and contemporary figurative abstraction. Lv Jiang incorporates visual cues from classical Chinese opera, reimagined through a pop-art lens with saturated hues and a stylized, almost surreal approach to portraiture. His distinct linework and color splatter effects echo the influence of both Eastern ink traditions and Western contemporary art.

3. Historical Context
Fan-shaped compositions have been a respected format in Chinese painting since the Song Dynasty. Here, Lv Jiang subverts the historically reserved aesthetic with bold figuration and contemporary flair. This synthesis represents the broader evolution of Chinese contemporary art, which frequently revisits traditional forms to explore identity, gender, and cultural continuity in a modern context.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paper support remains stable and unmarred. Pigments are vivid, with no signs of fading, warping, or surface abrasion. No visible conservation work has been undertaken or is necessary.

6. Artistic Significance
This iteration of Begonia Remains the Same exemplifies Lv Jiang’s unique visual vocabulary—where historical reference meets avant-garde aesthetics. His work invites viewers to reconsider traditional portraiture, offering a sensuous and symbolic portrayal of femininity. Collectors of contemporary Chinese art will appreciate the piece for its cultural resonance and aesthetic boldness.