Artwork Description

Title: Veil Nebula III
Artist: Zhao Xu
Date: 2017
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 70.9 x 62.2 in (180 x 158 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Veil Nebula III is a strikingly large oil painting by Zhao Xu, created in 2017. Bursting with movement and chromatic tension, the composition evokes a cosmic explosion or galactic veil unfolding in space. The Title: alludes to the astronomical Veil Nebula, suggesting a celestial source of inspiration translated through an abstract visual language.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
In this work, Zhao Xu merges abstraction with a conceptual approach rooted in astronomical phenomena. Layers of violet, crimson, and magenta cascade diagonally across the canvas, interspersed with delicate grid-like marks reminiscent of circuitry or star charts. These marks create a geometric counterpoint to the gestural splashes of color, offering a synthesis of chaos and structure. The work reflects influences from both Chinese abstraction and Western color field painting.

3. Historical Context
Completed in 2017, Veil Nebula III forms part of Zhao Xu’s exploration into cosmic landscapes and the visual representation of scientific ideas through abstraction. This period in the artist’s career was marked by an interest in space-time, fragmentation, and digital mapping. His technique reflects a dialogue between contemporary digital aesthetics and traditional painterly methods.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. The canvas is taut and stable, with no visible signs of damage, warping, or discoloration. The oil surface retains its vibrant pigments and texture, and the framing supports preservation.

6. Artistic Significance
Veil Nebula III stands as a key work within Zhao Xu’s cosmic-themed series, showcasing his ability to visualize the intangible through dynamic abstraction. The composition’s balance between geometric mapping and fluid energy demonstrates Zhao’s command of material and concept. For collectors and institutions, this work offers a compelling entry point into the intersection of art, science, and the sublime.