Artwork Description

Title: Lotus
Artist: Li Yan
Date: n.d.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 60 x 80 cm

Artwork Identification:
In Lotus, Li Yan presents a vivid and richly textured composition of lotus pods and leaves emerging from a dark, atmospheric background. The palette—dominated by deep greens, ochres, and golden yellows—creates a luminous contrast, suggesting the vitality of nature persisting in shadowy depths. The upward-reaching lotus stems evoke a sense of resilience and timeless beauty.

Artistic Style and Influences:
The work is characterized by expressive brushwork, layered textures, and an intuitive use of color, merging elements of abstraction with botanical realism. Li Yan draws inspiration from traditional Chinese subject matter—particularly the symbolic lotus flower—while applying a modern painterly sensibility that infuses the image with emotional weight and a sense of mystery.

Historical Context:
Although undated, Lotus aligns with Li Yan’s broader body of work that explores nature’s spiritual and symbolic resonance. In Chinese culture, the lotus often represents purity and rebirth, rising from muddy waters unsullied. Li’s interpretation adds a contemporary depth, reflecting on cycles of decay and regeneration with a visual language that bridges East and West.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
Artwork in very good condition. The paint surface shows no signs of damage or discoloration, and the canvas remains stable and well-stretched.

Artistic Significance:
This painting highlights Li Yan’s sensitive engagement with natural forms and his ability to convey symbolic meaning through modern abstraction. Lotus stands as a contemplative and richly textured work that invites viewers into a reflective dialogue with the rhythms and metaphors of the natural world.