Artwork Description

Title: Matter and Life (Series)
Artist: Chunying Zhang
Date: Undated
Medium: Painting on silk (Chinese painting)
Dimensions:
11.8 x 15.7 in (approx.)

30 x 40 cm

1. Artwork Identification
Matter and Life is a series by Chunying Zhang, executed on silk using traditional Chinese painting techniques. Each piece measures approximately 30 x 40 cm (11.8 x 15.7 in). The compositions feature plant-like or organic forms, often accented by a prominent reddish-orange element resembling a blossom or fruit, set against muted backgrounds. The works reflect a harmonious balance between minimalism and delicately controlled brushwork.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The series exemplifies a contemporary interpretation of classical Chinese aesthetics, merging traditional materials with an abstract and minimalist approach. The works retain the elegance of ink painting on silk, yet adopt modernist sensibilities through reduced form and controlled color fields. The compositions echo the literati ethos of restraint while invoking influences from 20th-century abstraction, suggesting a dialogue between East Asian philosophy and global contemporary art trends.

3. Historical Context
Silk painting holds an esteemed position in Chinese cultural history, traditionally associated with scholarly refinement and courtly art. In recent decades, contemporary Chinese artists have revisited these traditional practices, adapting them to modern conceptual frameworks. Chunying Zhang’s work is situated within this continuum, responding to contemporary concerns about materiality, cultural identity, and philosophical inquiries into life and nature, while retaining technical continuity with historical precedent.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for Provenance information and Certificate of Authenticity.

5. Condition and Conservation
The series is reported to be in excellent condition, with no visible pigment loss or structural damage to the silk substrate. Given the inherent fragility of silk supports, the works should be displayed under UV-filtered glazing and maintained in a stable humidity environment. No conservation treatment is currently indicated.

6. Artistic Significance
Matter and Life occupies a distinctive position within contemporary Chinese painting. It advances the discourse on traditional media in modern practice, while engaging deeply with concepts of organic vitality and formal abstraction. The series underscores a broader movement in Chinese art toward hybrid aesthetics, bridging historical continuity with experimental modernity. Its cultural resonance and sophisticated execution render it a compelling acquisition for both institutional collections and private collectors focused on the evolution of Chinese visual culture.