Artwork Description

Title:Center of the Universe
Artist: Xiaolan Hong
Date: 2014
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 19.7 x 23.6 in (50 x 60 cm)

Artwork Identification
Center of the Universe by Xiaolan Hong is an evocative oil painting measuring 50 by 60 centimeters. The composition is dominated by a swirling, eye-like form rendered in deep blues and whites, set against a dynamic backdrop of orange and black accents. The surface brims with gestural energy and layered textures, creating a visual field that suggests both cosmic turbulence and meditative stillness.

Artistic Style and Influences
The work aligns with the traditions of Abstract Expressionism and lyrical abstraction, prioritizing gesture, chromatic interplay, and the emotive capacity of form. The swirling core motif recalls the dynamism of vortex imagery in early modernist abstraction, while the rich color contrasts convey a spiritual dimension, resonating with Eastern cosmological symbolism and Western explorations of the sublime.

Historical Context
Created in 2014, this piece reflects contemporary abstraction’s engagement with metaphysical and universal themes during an era of rapid technological advancement and global connectivity. By titling the work Center of the Universe, Hong invokes philosophical questions surrounding human perception and existence, positioning the painting as a contemplative portal amid the flux of modern life.

Provenance and Authenticity
For provenance information and certificates of authenticity, please contact the gallery directly.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition, exhibiting no surface abrasion, pigment instability, or evidence of prior restoration. The canvas remains taut and structurally sound. Standard preventive conservation care is recommended.

Artistic Significance
Center of the Universe is a compelling example of Xiaolan Hong’s ability to transform abstract gesture into a vehicle for cosmic and existential inquiry. Its dynamic chromatic orchestration and layered formal vocabulary make it a significant acquisition for collectors and institutions drawn to works that marry expressive abstraction with philosophical depth.