Artwork Description

Title: The Man Wearing Sunglasses
Artist: Shen Jingdong
Date: 2015
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 31.5 x 23.6 in (80 x 60 cm)

Artwork Identification:
The Man Wearing Sunglasses presents a stylized, cartoon-like figure rendered in vibrant hues of yellow, red, and white, marked by Shen Jingdong's unmistakable aesthetic. The subject’s smooth, almost plasticized skin and fixed smile evoke the artificiality of commercial iconography, while the round black glasses and simplified facial forms hint at anonymity and mass-produced identity. Overlaid red scribbles introduce a layer of tension, disrupting the otherwise polished composition and suggesting underlying critique.

Artistic Style and Influences:
Shen Jingdong’s work is rooted in the legacy of Dadaism and pop art, blending satirical figuration with mass media aesthetics. This painting exemplifies Shen’s post-2000s visual language, which draws heavily from propaganda art and the commercial sheen of consumer culture. Shen uses vibrant colors and gloss-like textures to critique the superficiality of modern representation, particularly in the context of militarized or state-controlled imagery. His art aligns with the wave of New Chinese Pop that emerged as a reaction to both the Cultural Revolution's visual legacy and global commodification.

Historical Context:
Emerging at a pivotal moment in the evolution of Chinese contemporary art, Shen Jingdong rose to prominence during the early 2000s—a time of rapid urbanization, social transformation, and cultural reevaluation. His earlier military background, including 16 years in the Military Drama Troupe of the Nanjing Military Area, infuses his work with insider commentary on state imagery and uniformity. The Man Wearing Sunglasses echoes themes present in Shen’s renowned Hero series, challenging the idolization of institutional figures through exaggerated simplicity and playful critique.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The artwork is in very good condition. The paint surface is stable, with no signs of cracking, discoloration, or structural issues. Varnish appears even, and there are no restorations or visible damage.

Artistic Significance:
Shen Jingdong has been widely exhibited in international institutions, including venues in Paris, Hong Kong, Miami, and New York. His humorous and highly stylized portrayals of Chinese figures have carved a distinct niche in global contemporary art. Through The Man Wearing Sunglasses, Shen continues his nuanced interrogation of cultural identity, propaganda, and the commodification of the self in the 21st century. As a key figure in Chinese post-1989 contemporary art, Shen’s legacy lies in his ability to fuse critique with charm—offering viewers an accessible yet incisive lens through which to view modern China.