Artwork Description

Title:Girls

Artist
Shaoli Chen (陈少丽)

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Watercolor on paper

Dimensions
26 x 26 in (66 x 66 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
girls presents a strikingly composed double portrait of two young women against a minimal background. The pair stands facing forward with subtle but assertive expressions, dressed in contemporary attire that reveals their individuality and youthful edge. Chen Shaoli’s use of fine, expressive lines and layered washes gives the figures a lifelike presence while maintaining an illustrative charm.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Blending the literati aesthetics of Chinese ink painting with a playful observation of modern urban youth, Chen’s style is both grounded in tradition and delightfully subversive. Her portraits frequently juxtapose ornate detail with flatness and stillness, highlighting psychological presence over realism. Here, the bold red cross and playful cartoon bag disrupt the softness of the watercolor, echoing themes of identity and personal expression.

3. Historical Context
Created during a time of evolving cultural norms in China, girls captures the emergence of a generation unafraid to assert style, independence, and attitude. These subjects—adorned in contemporary outfits with hints of Western pop culture—mirror the broader societal transformation from collectivism toward individualism that shaped the post-1980s era of Chinese life and art.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition, with the paper clean and free from visible damage or discoloration. Colors remain crisp and well-preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
Shaoli Chen’s portraiture uniquely bridges cultural timelines, infusing traditional watercolor technique with commentary on present-day life. In girls, the strength of line and emotive restraint communicate volumes about youth, identity, and quiet defiance. The work stands as a compelling example of her talent for translating everyday scenes into poignant, thought-provoking art.