Artwork Description

Title: Chinese Contemporary Art History II
Artist: Hua Jiming
Date: 2008
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 29.9 x 39.4 in (76 x 100 cm)

Artwork Identification:
Chinese Contemporary Art History II is a visually dense and symbolically rich painting that assembles a mosaic of iconic figures and motifs central to the evolution of post-Mao Chinese art. Rendered in bold colors and layered compositions, the work functions as both a visual timeline and a critical reflection, juxtaposing Socialist Realism, Pop Art, satire, and avant-garde figures. It represents a sweeping narrative that speaks to the artistic and ideological shifts that have shaped China's contemporary art landscape since the late 20th century.

Artistic Style and Influences:
Hua Jiming blends figurative realism with conceptual montage, employing a style that draws heavily on both Chinese political poster aesthetics and Western pop culture iconography. Influences of the Cynical Realism and Political Pop movements are evident, particularly in the references to artists like Yue Minjun and Wang Guangyi, whose exaggerated expressions and reworked propaganda motifs have become emblems of Chinese contemporary art. Hua's style is characterized by a hyper-awareness of visual culture and the way collective memory is shaped by mass media and state imagery.

Historical Context:
Emerging from the sociopolitical aftermath of the Cultural Revolution, Hua Jiming was shaped by a China in the throes of rapid transformation. Born in 1964 and coming of age during the Reform Era, Hua witnessed the collision of collectivist ideology and global capitalism. His relocation to Beijing in 2001 positioned him at the center of China’s expanding contemporary art scene. The 2008 painting reflects a pivotal moment when Chinese contemporary art was gaining unprecedented international recognition and when retrospection—on movements, figures, and national identity—became an artistic imperative.

Provenance:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The painting is in very good condition. No damage, repairs, or alterations are present. The paint surface retains its original vibrancy, with no visible cracking or fading.

Artistic Significance:
Chinese Contemporary Art History II stands as a significant meta-artwork: a painting about paintings, a history about histories. Through its collage-like construction, Hua Jiming critiques and commemorates the narratives that have defined Chinese art since the 1980s. His ability to synthesize stylistic references and historical allusions within a single canvas reflects his deep engagement with the evolution of artistic freedom and cultural identity in post-socialist China. This work is not only a testament to Hua's technical and conceptual mastery but also a vital cultural document within the canon of Chinese contemporary art.