Artwork Description

Title: Feather 6
Artist: Deng Zhen (b. 1976)
Date: Undated
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 50.4 x 75.6 inches (128 x 192 cm)

Artwork Identification
Feather 6 is a contemplative oil painting by contemporary Chinese artist Deng Zhen, measuring 128 x 192 cm. The composition features a single feather suspended against a vast, immersive field of blue. The feather—rendered with exquisite precision—appears weightless, yet deeply symbolic, inviting introspection. The expansive monochromatic background enhances a sense of stillness and space, establishing a visual atmosphere that is at once meditative and subtly charged.

Artistic Style and Influences
Deng Zhen’s oeuvre is characterized by a cross-disciplinary approach rooted in experimental art practices, with influences from both fine art and design. A graduate of the Central Academy of Fine Arts' Experimental Art Department, his work often bridges traditional mediums with conceptual strategies. In Feather 6, one sees the minimalism and symbolic potency of post-1990s Chinese contemporary art, paired with a design sensibility likely informed by his background in fashion and textile arts. The painting channels quietude, offering a modern iteration of symbolic still life through a restrained and elegant visual language.

Historical Context
Emerging from China’s rapidly evolving art scene in the early 21st century, Deng Zhen’s work reflects a growing interest in introspection and conceptual clarity amidst a climate of cultural and technological acceleration. Feather 6 can be interpreted as a subtle response to themes of lightness, fragility, and impermanence—qualities often overshadowed in the grand narratives of contemporary Chinese art. Its simplicity belies a deeper commentary on presence, breath, and transience in an increasingly complex world.

Provenance and Authenticity
For information regarding the provenance and authenticity of this artwork, please contact the gallery directly. Authenticity certificates and provenance documentation are available upon request.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition, with no signs of structural damage, surface wear, or pigment loss. The canvas is properly mounted and well-preserved. No restoration has been reported. A professional condition report is available upon request.

Artistic Significance
Deng Zhen is an active voice in the international art landscape, with exhibitions spanning Beijing’s 798 Art District, the United Nations Headquarters in New York, and major fairs such as Art Basel Hong Kong and the Venice Biennale. His versatility across media—from painting and photography to performance—has earned him recognition as an “Outstanding Young Artist.” Feather 6 is a prime example of his ability to distill complex philosophical and emotional narratives into minimalist yet deeply resonant imagery. Its poetic clarity and symbolic openness make it a compelling acquisition for collectors of contemporary Chinese art with a conceptual edge.

2014 Poly autumn auction