Artwork Description

Title:Find

Artist
Shaoli Chen

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Ink and watercolor on paper

Dimensions
29.9 × 28.3 in (76 × 72 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Find is a characteristically whimsical yet perceptive painting by Shaoli Chen, rendered in ink and watercolor. The composition features two young women standing in a garden-like setting, each distinct in fashion and expression. One dons a green jacket and black skirt with a bag labeled “The Joy,” while the other wears a patterned dress under a mustard coat, holding a plastic bag. The artist merges traditional Chinese brush technique with modern figuration, resulting in a humorous yet thoughtful portrayal of contemporary life.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Shaoli Chen is known for merging expressive, classical Chinese brushwork with subjects drawn from daily modern culture. In Find, the line work shows calligraphic fluidity and restraint, while the watercolor adds subtle volume and color variety. The figures exhibit cartoonish exaggeration, especially in their facial features and postures, contributing to a sense of playful social commentary. The landscape background, meanwhile, roots the scene in classical painting traditions, continuing Chen’s ongoing dialogue between tradition and the contemporary world.

3. Historical Context
Chen's work reflects the broader artistic climate of post-1978 China, where increased cultural openness allowed artists to freely reinterpret traditional forms. His paintings often feature modern young women, sometimes with brand elements or Westernized fashion, symbolizing the evolving identity of urban China. The painting can be read as a humorous yet affectionate observation of young women's lives, desires, and independence in a rapidly transforming society.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition overall. It shows faint horizontal and vertical folding marks from previous storage, but these do not detract from its aesthetic or structural integrity. The pigment is well-preserved and the paper remains stable.

6. Artistic Significance
Find exemplifies Shaoli Chen’s commitment to renewing Chinese painting traditions by imbuing them with contemporary relevance. His work bridges high art with everyday life, presenting a narrative that is both intimate and socially observant. This piece is a testament to Chen’s unique voice in contemporary Chinese art and would be a valuable addition to collections seeking works that embody cultural transformation through visual wit and technical elegance.