Artwork Description

Title:Maze of Four
Artist: Guifeng Liang
Date: Undated
Medium: Painting on silk
Dimensions: 180 × 130 cm (70.87 × 51.18 in)

1. Artwork Identification
Maze of Four is a monumental painting on silk by Guifeng Liang, characterized by its surreal and immersive composition. The work presents a labyrinthine structure partially submerged in water, creating an atmospheric setting populated by long-legged birds resembling herons or bitterns. Fish swim beneath the reflective surface, adding an aquatic dimension that contrasts with the structured geometry of the maze. Executed in a muted yet sophisticated palette, the piece balances dreamlike ambiguity with formal precision.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Liang’s aesthetic reflects a synthesis of traditional Chinese silk painting techniques and contemporary surrealist sensibilities. The composition suggests influences from classical landscape traditions, while the maze motif evokes symbolic interpretations—representing complexity, spiritual journeys, or states of contemplation. The artist’s control of tone and perspective demonstrates an innovative approach, merging decorative elegance with conceptual depth.

3. Historical Context
The work arises from a contemporary context in which Chinese artists increasingly explore hybrid visual languages that bridge heritage and modernity. The maze, an uncommon motif in classical Chinese painting, introduces a narrative layer aligned with global dialogues on uncertainty, introspection, and ecological harmony. The presence of heron-like birds—a traditional emblem of longevity and purity—contrasts with the structured, almost architectural environment, creating a compelling tension between nature and design.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for full provenance information and certificates of authenticity.

5. Condition and Conservation
The painting is in overall stable and well-preserved condition. The silk surface is intact, and the pigments exhibit no visible fading or discoloration. Minor signs of age-appropriate wear may be present but do not detract from the visual integrity of the piece. Display in controlled light and humidity conditions is recommended to preserve the delicate nature of the silk substrate.

6. Artistic Significance
Maze of Four holds particular significance as an embodiment of Guifeng Liang’s unique visual language—where symbolic architecture intersects with organic life. This painting invites the viewer into a meditative dialogue on the coexistence of natural and constructed worlds, offering layers of interpretation that resonate with contemporary concerns of harmony, balance, and complexity. Collectors and curators seeking works that unite technical mastery with conceptual sophistication will find this piece of notable merit.