Artwork Description

Title: Cactus
Artist: Li Yan
Date: 2015
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 100 x 60 cm

Artwork Identification:
Cactus presents a vibrant and somewhat surreal depiction of a flowering cactus set against a richly toned, abstract background. The central form is articulated with undulating brushstrokes in shades of green, blue, and violet, accentuated by bursts of vivid orange, yellow, and cyan that evoke blooming flowers. The contrast between the sharply defined subject and the softly blended ground creates a striking visual tension.

Artistic Style and Influences:
Li Yan’s style here merges botanical study with expressive abstraction. The use of strong complementary colors and the radiating forms of the cactus blossoms draw from both traditional Chinese aesthetics and Western modernist approaches to still life and flora. The sense of isolation within the picture plane further suggests an introspective, almost mystical narrative.

Historical Context:
Painted in 2015, Cactus belongs to a period in which Li Yan explored themes of resilience and adaptation in nature. Cacti, as desert plants capable of thriving in harsh conditions, serve as potent symbols of endurance—a theme that resonates with broader ecological and personal reflections in contemporary Chinese art.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The artwork is in very good condition. The paint surface is well preserved, with no evident cracks, losses, or restorations. The canvas is taut and stable.

Artistic Significance:
Cactus stands out as an emblem of quiet strength and natural beauty. Its bold palette and meditative composition exemplify Li Yan’s ability to infuse botanical subject matter with emotional and symbolic depth, inviting the viewer to consider themes of survival, solitude, and inner vitality.