Artwork Description

Title:Think

Artist
Shaoli Chen

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Ink and watercolor on paper

Dimensions
29.9 × 28.5 in (76 × 72.5 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
In Think, Shaoli Chen captures a moment of introspection through the poised stance and quietly expressive gazes of two stylish young women. Their modern winterwear—one clad in a pink skirt and cardigan, the other in a tan overcoat and beanie—contrasts with the traditional garden setting, emphasizing the dialogue between contemporary identity and classical environment.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Chen employs a light, deft brush to evoke texture in both fabric and foliage, balancing his figures’ stylized features with the natural softness of watercolor. Drawing from the Chinese gongbi tradition as well as contemporary illustration aesthetics, he skillfully highlights fashion as a form of self-expression. The muted palette and linear ink work create a contemplative atmosphere in tune with the piece’s Title:.

3. Historical Context
Emerging during China’s post-reform era, Chen’s works reflect the blossoming of personal expression amid cultural transformation. Think can be interpreted as a portrait of the modern Chinese woman—caught between tradition and modernity, solitude and social presence—embodied through fashion, posture, and mood.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. Light creasing due to past storage is visible but unobtrusive, leaving the overall composition undisturbed.

6. Artistic Significance
Think stands as a subtle yet impactful piece within Shaoli Chen’s body of work, showcasing his signature blend of traditional brushwork with modern figuration. The thoughtful atmosphere, paired with his keen sense of character and costume, positions this painting as a quietly resonant meditation on youth, identity, and the nuanced rhythms of urban life.