Artwork Description

Title: Bubblegum of Vermeer
Artist: Ge Yi
Date: 2018
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 39.4 x 31.5 in (100 x 80 cm)

Artwork Identification
Bubblegum of Vermeer by Ge Yi is a playful and ironic reinterpretation of Girl with a Pearl Earring, the iconic 17th-century painting by Johannes Vermeer. In this work, the girl—rendered in soft pastels against a dark, enigmatic background—blows an oversized bubble of gum, which dominates the composition. Her facial features are deliberately obscured, reducing her identity to an idea or symbol.

Artistic Style and Influences
Ge Yi’s style in this piece blends Pop Art’s irreverence with minimalist figuration. The bubblegum—a pop culture icon—becomes a metaphorical and literal interruption of classical beauty. Above the bubble, a lineup of brightly colored cartoon-like figures further distorts the serene mood of the original Vermeer, infusing it with kitsch and commentary on consumerism, identity, and media imagery.

Historical Context
Created in 2018, this work reflects a broader trend in Chinese contemporary art where traditional Western art is reinterpreted through postmodern and satirical lenses. As China’s art market matured, many younger artists like Ge Yi responded with works that question the canon and flirt with global art history, injecting familiar masterpieces with modern cultural references.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in very good condition. The canvas is clean, structurally sound, and shows no signs of damage. The painted surface retains its original vibrancy and intent, with no visible restoration.

Artistic Significance
Bubblegum of Vermeer is both an homage and a critique—mocking reverence while reimagining legacy. By combining historical art with pop iconography, Ge Yi invites the viewer to reflect on the evolution of image consumption, the tension between past and present, and the ways in which cultural memory can be repackaged in the digital age. This work stands as a fresh contribution to postmodern dialogue, positioning Ge Yi as a provocative voice in global contemporary art.