Artwork Description

Title: Che Yun · Unruly
Artist: Ying Shi
Date: Undated
Medium: Painting on silk with color (设色)
Dimensions: 46 × 46 cm (18.1 × 18.1 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Che Yun · Unruly is a circular painting on silk by artist Ying Shi, measuring 46 × 46 cm. The composition features a faint, almost ghostly outline of a motorcycle emerging from soft tonal washes. Rendered in pale hues of pink and beige, the work projects an ethereal atmosphere, with the subject dissolving into the surrounding space. A discreet red seal marks the surface, anchoring the piece in classical Chinese artistic tradition despite its unconventional motif.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This painting exemplifies Ying Shi’s innovative approach, merging traditional Chinese painting techniques with contemporary subject matter. The soft application of color and the mist-like finish recall the aesthetics of ink-and-color landscapes, yet the choice of a modern mechanical object introduces a conceptual contrast. This stylistic hybridity aligns with the “New Ink Art” movement, where the artist recontextualizes classical visual language for the modern era.

3. Historical Context
Created in the context of China’s rapidly transforming cultural landscape, this work reflects the tension between modernity and heritage. The motorcycle—commonly associated with speed, freedom, and urban dynamism—appears subdued and ephemeral when transposed onto silk, a medium historically tied to elegance and restraint. This interplay of contrasts underscores broader societal dialogues on progress and identity in contemporary Chinese art discourse.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for detailed Provenance information and Authenticity certificates.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting remains in excellent condition, with stable pigments and no apparent surface degradation. The silk support is free from creasing or discoloration. Professional framing with UV-filtering glass is advised for optimal conservation.

6. Artistic Significance
Che Yun · Unruly occupies a unique position within Ying Shi’s oeuvre, demonstrating her ability to reconcile the timeless grace of traditional mediums with modern narratives. Its understated elegance, coupled with a provocative subject, ensures its relevance within academic and market circles focusing on contemporary ink painting.