Artwork Description

Title: Mao Zedong
Artist: Xing Jianjian
Date: n.d.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 47.2 x 15.7 in (120 x 40 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Mao Zedong by Xing Jianjian presents a strikingly expressive portrait of the Chinese leader, depicted in vibrant, radiant tones of yellow, red, and orange, emanating with energy and symbolism. The image is framed in an almost celestial burst of brushstrokes, reinforcing the iconographic elevation of Mao. Jianjian overlays revolutionary symbolism with abstract, almost childlike spontaneity, blending homage with commentary.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
This work exemplifies Xing Jianjian's integration of expressionism, symbolism, and classical realism. The portrait of Mao is not rendered with photorealistic precision but rather with expressive brushwork and bold color fields that evoke the iconography of propaganda posters while abstracting and humanizing the figure. The background’s symbolic and painterly energy suggests ideological critique, reverence, or a complex blend of both—hallmarks of Xing's layered visual language.

3. Historical Context
While undated, this painting situates itself within the lineage of post-Cultural Revolution Chinese art, where iconic figures like Mao Zedong became subjects of both reverence and revision. Xing Jianjian, a graduate of Nanjing University of the Arts and an active contributor to national exhibitions, often explores China’s socio-political history through a modern lens. This work reflects the enduring legacy of Mao’s imagery while also inviting reinterpretation in contemporary terms.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The paint surface appears stable with no evident areas of damage, loss, or restoration. The canvas is evenly stretched and structurally sound.

6. Artistic Significance
Mao Zedong is a compelling example of Xing Jianjian’s ability to fuse politically charged subject matter with expressive visual language. By infusing a familiar revolutionary icon with vibrant abstraction and layered texture, Jianjian transforms a historical figure into a symbolic vessel of contemporary reflection. The work captures both the enduring resonance and evolving interpretation of Mao in Chinese cultural memory, offering insight into the artist’s mastery and the broader conversation within Chinese contemporary art.