Artwork Description

Artist: Jian Guan
Title: Go Beachcombing 4
Date: 2007
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 200 x 168 cm
Condition Report: In good condition

Jian Guan’s Go Beachcombing 4 captures a solitary figure viewed from behind, pushing a bicycle forward in a determined stride. The composition follows a triangular structural formula, lending the piece a sense of balance and stability. Depicted with exaggerated, bold features, the figure exudes strength and perseverance, rendered in Guan’s signature chromatic scheme of deep blues and rich sienna tones. Nearly filling the entire two-meter-high canvas, the figure’s monumental presence dominates the scene, drawing the viewer into its commanding and introspective aura. The stark, minimalist background further amplifies the work’s striking visual impact, emphasizing the labor and resilience of the subject.

About the Artist
Guan Jian (born 1955) is a Chinese painter from Kaiyuan, Liaoning Province, known for his powerful depictions of laborers and rural life. He studied at the Oil Painting Department of Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, where he currently teaches. A member of the China Artists' Association, Guan’s work reflects his deep connection to the working class, utilizing bold brushwork, heavy impasto, and a subdued color palette to evoke a sense of endurance and authenticity. His paintings frequently feature figures with oversized hands and feet, symbolizing resilience and the physicality of labor. His works have been exhibited in major national exhibitions, including the Beijing National Art Exhibition (1974), The 1st Youth Art Exhibition (1979), and the National Art Exhibition of Beijing (1992). Through his distinctive style, Guan Jian’s paintings offer a compelling narrative of strength, simplicity, and humanity.