Artwork Description

Title:Color Wheel

Artist:
Yan Lei

Date:
2008

Medium:
Oil painting

Dimensions:
250 × 250 cm (98.4 × 98.4 in)

Artwork Identification:
This large-scale Color Wheel by Yan Lei, rendered in oil on canvas, measures 250 by 250 centimeters. The composition features a meditative progression of concentric rings that shift subtly through tones of gray, muted yellow, and light beige. At the core lies a near-black focal point, from which the circular bands radiate outward in soft gradation. A striking, luminous band of yellow-beige sits prominently in the middle-to-outer range of the design, introducing a visual interruption that heightens the sense of motion and tonal contrast. The background—a muted bluish-gray—adds further depth as it darkens toward the center, reinforcing the work’s layered dimensionality.

Artistic Style and Influences:
This Color Wheel continues Yan Lei’s commitment to formal repetition and color theory, while introducing a warmer, almost atmospheric palette. The work merges the optical discipline of Op Art with the emotional restraint of minimalist abstraction. The inclusion of a distinct luminous ring suggests a dynamic interplay between light and void, evoking the visual poetry of Mark Rothko or Anish Kapoor’s spatial explorations, while remaining firmly within Yan’s unique conceptual vocabulary. The delicate blending of color transitions testifies to his technical precision and meditative approach to visual systems.

Historical Context:
Emerging from Yan Lei’s long-standing exploration of image systems, digital flattening, and perceptual psychology, this piece exemplifies his evolution from critique-driven conceptualism to contemplative visual experience. Within the Chinese art landscape—shaped by rapid modernization and visual excess—this work stands out for its serene introspection and formal clarity. Color Wheel functions as both a minimalist object and a philosophical proposition, inviting viewers to consider structure, variance, and the emotional range of neutrality and warmth.

Provenance and Authenticity:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The artwork is in excellent condition. The surface presents no signs of damage, restoration, or wear, and the paint layers remain fully stable. No conservation treatment is needed at this time.

Artistic Significance:
This iteration of Color Wheel reflects Yan Lei’s mastery of abstraction as both a visual and conceptual Medium: . The subtle transitions of gray and warm beige, punctuated by a luminous halo, mark a sophisticated exploration of contrast and rhythm. With its refined palette and immersive presence, the painting offers an understated power that resonates within both private collections and curated institutional settings. As interest in meditative abstraction and cross-cultural minimalism continues to grow, this work represents a compelling acquisition in Yan Lei’s acclaimed series.