Artwork Description

Title: Ahh! The sea
Artist: Zhu Jiuyang
Date: n.d.
Medium: Print
Dimensions: 16.9 x 29.3 in (43 x 74.5 cm)

Artwork Identification
Ahh! The sea by Zhu Jiuyang presents a dramatic surrealistic vision: two enormous hands parting the waves of a turbulent sea to reveal a lone swimmer at the center, heading toward the horizon where a boat and a setting sun punctuate the scene. The exaggerated scale of the hands and the contrasting vibrancy of the orange-red sky against the deep blue waters lend the composition both intensity and symbolic depth.

Artistic Style and Influences
Zhu Jiuyang’s work blends surrealism with metaphorical figuration. The use of monumental hands recalls themes of divine intervention, human vulnerability, and the sublime forces of nature. The color palette—bold and emotionally charged—emphasizes contrast and tension, echoing the visual strategies of magical realism and psychological symbolism.

Historical Context
Born in 1969 in China, Zhu Jiuyang belongs to the post-Cultural Revolution generation of artists who often explore personal identity, metaphysical themes, and emotional landscapes through bold, often experimental visuals. His work reflects a contemporary Chinese sensibility shaped by both traditional narrative impulses and a modern, global visual lexicon.

Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation
The print is in very good condition. The paper surface is clean, with strong color preservation and no visible signs of wear, creasing, or discoloration.

Artistic Significance
Ahh! The sea is a poignant allegory of confrontation with the unknown. Whether interpreted as a spiritual vision, a metaphor for struggle, or a meditation on human scale within the natural world, the work exemplifies Zhu Jiuyang’s ability to weave vivid narrative imagery with emotional resonance. It stands as a compelling piece within the realm of contemporary Chinese printmaking.