Artwork Description

Title:Still Young

Artist
Lv Jiang

Date
2016

Medium:
Ink and watercolor on paper

Dimensions
47 x 36 cm (18.5 x 14.2 in)

1. Artwork Identification
This striking work Title:d Still Young by Lv Jiang features a trio of female figures adorned in stylized opera-like attire with bold makeup and elegant postures. The composition weaves together floral motifs, theatrical costume patterns, and expressive gazes, creating an image that is as evocative as it is visually rich. The central figure’s vivid red bodice, surrounded by delicate blues and greys, draws the viewer’s attention, anchoring the work in a balance of drama and intimacy.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Lv Jiang fuses traditional Chinese ink techniques with contemporary figuration, often blending historical visual languages with modern aesthetics. In Still Young, his style evokes echoes of Chinese opera traditions, stylized costume design, and modern fashion illustration. The palette—dominated by cool blues, stark whites, and punctuated reds—lends a theatrical flair that is softened by the lyrical lines and botanical details. His figures often appear poised between cultural reverence and modern sensibility.

3. Historical Context
Painted in 2016, this work reflects Lv Jiang’s continued exploration of femininity and Chinese visual culture through a postmodern lens. The reference to traditional opera dress nods to a long-standing heritage, while the confident, sensual portrayal of the women speaks to a contemporary reevaluation of identity, performance, and beauty in modern China.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The work is in very good condition. The paper is structurally stable, with no visible tears, stains, or warping. Pigments remain vibrant and the integrity of the ink and watercolor application is well preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
As a prominent figure in China’s contemporary art scene, Lv Jiang’s work bridges classical influence and pop-surrealist expression. Still Young encapsulates his hallmark style—ornate yet approachable, culturally rooted yet distinctly individual. As a professor and member of major arts associations, his influence extends beyond painting, shaping a new generation of artists and writers in China.