Artist: Jian Guan
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 200 x 200 cm
Condition Report: In good condition.
Signature: Unsigned.

Description:
This monumental composition by Jian Guan portrays a couple engaged in a moment of labor, emphasizing the strength and resilience of the working class. The square-format canvas frames a man pushing a bicycle and a woman standing beside him holding a fork, their exaggerated anatomical features—especially hands and legs—symbolizing force and vitality. Rendered in desaturated hues of blue, the figures are accented with dark orange tones, drawing the viewer's attention to their physical presence. Minimalistic elements in the background create a stark contrast, further highlighting the figures and suggesting their prominence over the landscape. The tension within the scene conveys stability, strength, and the enduring spirit of those tied to the land.

About the Artist:
Guan Jian, born in Xingcheng, Liaoning Province in 1957, is a professional artist and a member of the China Artists’ Association. A graduate of Liaoning Art Preschool Normal School, Guan draws inspiration from his northeastern countryside upbringing, with a deep connection to farmers and their relationship with the land. His works, recognized for their thick colors, bold brushstrokes, and robust depictions of working-class figures, have been exhibited in notable shows, including the 1991 Art Exhibition commemorating the CPC's 70th anniversary and the 1997 Still Life Oil Painting Exhibition in Beijing. Guan received the Excellence Award at the Liaoning Province Art Exhibition celebrating the return of Hong Kong.