Artwork Description

Title: The Eye of the Other 8
Artist: Xiaofei Li
Date: 2014
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 39.37 × 39.37 in (100 × 100 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Xiaofei Li’s The Eye of the Other 8 presents an ornate antique armchair, upholstered in rich green fabric with dark wooden detailing, as the focal subject. Positioned within a vivid orange circular backdrop against a white ground, the composition creates a bold interplay of form and color. The strong chromatic contrast draws immediate attention to the chair, transforming it into an object of contemplation rather than mere function.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Li’s work reflects a contemporary conceptual approach infused with pop-art sensibilities and surrealist undertones. The exaggerated isolation of a single piece of furniture against a flat geometric shape suggests a dialogue between objecthood and perception, while the refined painterly technique recalls the precision of classical still life, updated for modern aesthetics.

3. Historical Context
Created in 2014, this work belongs to Li’s celebrated The Eye of the Other series, which examines the psychology of objects and their symbolic resonance in contemporary culture. The chair, historically a symbol of power, comfort, or social status, becomes here a metaphor for identity and presence, detached from its utilitarian role and framed within a striking minimalist schema.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery for complete provenance and authenticity certification.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in excellent condition, with no visible craquelure, losses, or restoration. The canvas is well-stretched and stable, with vibrant color saturation preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
The Eye of the Other 8 is a quintessential example of Xiaofei Li’s ability to merge figurative precision with conceptual depth. Its bold visual language and philosophical undertones position it as a significant work for collectors interested in the dialogue between object aesthetics and cultural semiotics.