Artwork Description

Title: Woods Series Four
Artist: Yao Chen
Date: 2014
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 59.1 x 47.2 in (150 x 120 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Woods Series Four by Yao Chen is a hauntingly lyrical oil painting created in 2014, measuring 150 x 120 cm. The work presents a silhouette of bare, intertwining tree branches rendered in stark black against a backdrop of meticulously patterned greys and whites. This dense, almost tactile surface subtly pulses with texture, conjuring both the mystery and stillness of a forest at dusk.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Yao Chen’s visual language blends elements of photorealism with abstraction, where the sharp silhouette of the trees contrasts dramatically with the rhythmically textured background. This interplay between natural form and layered surface recalls influences from traditional Chinese ink painting, while the overall composition aligns with the contemplative aesthetics of contemporary minimalism. The work echoes tonal explorations seen in the paintings of Anselm Kiefer or the forest atmospheres of Caspar David Friedrich, reinterpreted through a distinctly East Asian lens.

3. Historical Context
Produced in 2014, Woods Series Four reflects the increasing global visibility of Chinese contemporary art that interrogates nature, memory, and perception. At this time, many Chinese artists sought to reinterpret traditional themes—such as the natural landscape—through modern materials and techniques. Yao Chen’s approach reconsiders the philosophical role of nature in a rapidly urbanizing China, offering viewers a contemplative reprieve from technological acceleration.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The canvas is taut and clean with no observed paint loss, surface abrasions, or evidence of restoration. The contrast between matte and gloss areas remains intact, preserving the visual impact of the artist’s intended composition.

6. Artistic Significance
Woods Series Four stands as a compelling statement within Yao Chen’s broader exploration of nature and form. Its immersive scale, striking monochrome palette, and tactile brushwork convey a profound emotional resonance. By juxtaposing the rawness of silhouetted trees with an intricately worked surface, the painting invites introspection and rewards sustained viewing. It is a significant piece for collectors of contemporary Chinese painting with an interest in the fusion of tradition and modernity.