Artwork Description

Title: Ink Elements No.20140 842
Artist: Li Gang (Chinese, b. 1962)
Date: Undated
Medium: Ink and mixed media on paper
Dimensions: 48 x 92.1 in (122 x 234 cm)

Artwork Identification
Ink Elements No.20140 842 is a large-scale, conceptually rigorous work by Chinese contemporary artist Li Gang, from his influential Ink Elements series. Measuring an imposing 122 by 234 centimeters, the piece features a dynamic, richly textured surface created through Li’s signature imprinting process—an intricate choreography of folding, tearing, saturating, and layering paper with ink. The work’s monumental presence, subtle tonality, and irregular grid-like structure invite both visual meditation and tactile engagement.

Artistic Style and Influences
Departing from conventional brushwork, Li Gang redefines ink painting through material experimentation and conceptual depth. Drawing from Daoist philosophy and literati aesthetics, Ink Elements No.20140 842 dispenses with illusionistic form in favor of presence, process, and impermanence. By abandoning the brush in favor of imprinting and chance operations, Li evokes both the spontaneity of Zen practice and the procedural rigor of Western abstraction. The work’s fractured, puzzle-like surface may also recall calligraphic fragments or landscape topographies reimagined through a contemporary lens.

Historical Context
Li Gang, born in Guangdong in the 1960s, came of age during a critical moment in Chinese art when tradition was being re-examined through the lens of globalization and reform. Trained in classical Chinese painting and printmaking, he emerged in the late 20th century as part of a cohort that sought to renew ink art by moving beyond its formal strictures while preserving its spiritual core. Ink Elements No.20140 842 reflects this transformation—part of a broader redefinition of Chinese ink art during the 2000s and 2010s, when artists began to articulate a distinctly contemporary visual language rooted in historical consciousness.

Provenance and Authenticity
This work is an original from Li Gang’s ongoing Ink Elements series and comes from a private collection. The materials, process, and visual language are consistent with authenticated works by the artist. Li’s pieces have been featured in major exhibitions on post-traditional ink painting in China and internationally. Collectors and institutions increasingly recognize his contribution to redefining the aesthetics of ink in the 21st century. Documentation of authenticity and provenance can be provided upon request.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition. The paper support is clean, stable, and free from any signs of warping or deterioration. The surface textures, creases, and ink saturations are intentional features of the artist’s technique. No damage or restoration has been detected. If previously mounted, conservation-grade materials were used in keeping with the standards for large-format contemporary works on paper.

Artistic Significance
Ink Elements No.20140 842 exemplifies Li Gang’s visionary contribution to contemporary Chinese art. The work’s monumental scale and minimalist intensity highlight his ability to transform the humble medium of ink into a profound philosophical inquiry. In Li’s hands, ink becomes not only a visual element but also a ritual—a meditative act of destruction and rebirth that reflects the evolving spirit of Chinese civilization. This piece stands as a powerful and collectible example of the artist’s mature output and a benchmark in the global conversation around ink's future.