Artwork Description

Title of Work: Heavy Makeup
Artist: Minfei Li (Chinese Artist)

Medium: Oil on canvas

Dimensions:

• 80 x 60 cm

Condition Report:

• Good

Signature:

• Signed and dated in the lower right

Provenance:

• Private collection

Description:
Heavy Makeup by Minfei Li delves into the concept of beauty, identity, and the layers we present to the world. Through bold and expressive brushstrokes, the artist captures the emotional complexity behind the act of wearing makeup, symbolizing a transformation of self-perception or external perception. The subject’s face, possibly exaggerated or stylized, is rendered with meticulous attention to detail, drawing attention to the contrast between the external facade and the internal reality.

The oil on canvas technique allows the artist to play with texture and depth, creating a tactile experience that enhances the visual impact of the work. The contrast between light and shadow, along with the vibrant tones, speaks to both the cultural and personal aspects of appearance, adding layers of meaning that extend beyond the physical appearance of the subject.

This piece invites the viewer to reflect on themes of societal expectations, self-image, and the roles people adopt in response to external pressures. The use of heavy makeup as a metaphor for masks we wear in life challenges the viewer to consider how much of one’s true self is hidden beneath layers of artifice.

Notes:

• Signed and dated lower right.
• In good condition.