Artwork Description

Title: Pine (8)
Artist: Zhang Dali
Date: 2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 97.2 x 79.5 in (247 x 202 cm)

Artwork Identification
Pine (8) is a monumental oil painting by Zhang Dali, measuring 247 by 202 cm. Dominated by the presence of a solitary pine tree, the composition is both formally commanding and conceptually layered. Executed in rich, deliberate brushwork, the tree stands against a stark background, simultaneously evoking timeless resilience and introspective solitude. Zhang distills natural form into a symbol—an emblem of endurance and identity amidst societal flux.

Artistic Style and Influences
Zhang Dali’s painterly practice is deeply shaped by his multidisciplinary background in street art, photography, and sculpture. In Pine (8), the artist departs from overt political iconography to embrace a more meditative, symbolic visual language. The pine—long revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of perseverance and moral integrity—is rendered with expressive realism and minimalist restraint. The work reflects the subtle influence of traditional Chinese ink painting, infused with Western compositional clarity and psychological gravitas.

Historical Context
While much of Zhang Dali’s reputation has been built on his confrontational works exploring urban destruction and political history, Pine (8) signals a contemplative turn. Created in a period of personal and artistic maturity, the painting bridges past and present—drawing on classical Chinese values while responding to the dislocation of modern life. The pine stands not merely as a botanical subject, but as a visual anchor in a world of transience and erasure—a recurring concern in Zhang’s oeuvre since his graffiti interventions in 1990s Beijing.

Provenance and Authenticity
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition. The oil surface is clean and well-preserved with no evidence of restoration or surface damage. Colors remain vibrant and the canvas is structurally stable.

Artistic Significance
Pine (8) represents a significant development in Zhang Dali’s artistic trajectory—merging symbolic natural imagery with the conceptual rigor for which he is known. The painting exemplifies his ability to shift between direct socio-political commentary and poetic visual metaphor. With its universal symbolism and museum-scale format, the work appeals to collectors seeking a contemplative yet powerful expression of contemporary Chinese art rooted in cultural continuity.