Artwork Description

Title: Clear Butterfly Mist

Artist Zhirou Chen

Date 2007

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions 17.3 x 15.7 in (44 x 40 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Clear Butterfly Mist is an oil painting on canvas by Zhirou Chen, measuring 17.3 x 15.7 inches (44 x 40 cm). The composition is entirely abstract, employing a nuanced palette that blends earthy browns with gentle pinks and soft blues. The result is a harmonious yet dynamic chromatic field, evoking sensations of a warm evening sky or an expansive desert vista. Chen uses layered brushwork and tonal variation to achieve depth and visual rhythm, drawing the viewer into an atmospheric experience.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This work exemplifies lyrical abstraction with a sensitivity reminiscent of color-field techniques, while maintaining strong connections to the natural world. The interplay of color and texture suggests a meditative approach, similar to elements found in Chinese literati aesthetics merged with modernist abstraction. Chen’s practice during this period reflects the influence of both Abstract Expressionism and post-war European abstraction, particularly in the use of emotive color harmonies and gestural freedom.

3. Historical Context
Painted in 2007, Clear Butterfly Mist emerges from a decade of renewed experimentation in Chinese contemporary art. Artists like Chen were actively bridging traditional philosophies of nature and harmony with Western abstract practices. This period marked a cultural shift where abstraction became a language for inner expression rather than direct representation, aligning with the international art discourse while sustaining distinct regional identity.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for full provenance and authentication documentation. Certificates of authenticity are available upon request.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in excellent condition, with stable canvas tension and intact paint layers. No evidence of surface abrasion, discoloration, or restoration. Recommended conservation includes standard preventive care such as climate control and UV-filtered lighting to preserve pigment vibrancy.

6. Artistic Significance
Clear Butterfly Mist holds a key place in Chen’s exploration of abstract atmospheric landscapes, demonstrating a sophisticated balance of color, texture, and emotion. Its restrained yet evocative palette invites contemplative viewing and underscores Chen’s role in shaping the trajectory of Chinese abstraction within a global context. This piece exemplifies his capacity to create works that resonate with both scholarly interest and collector appeal.