Artwork Description

Title:Loneliness of the Deep
Artist: Dutao Ma
Date: 2016
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 31.5 x 23.6 in (80 x 60 cm)

Artwork Identification
Loneliness of the Deep by Dutao Ma is a striking oil painting measuring 80 by 60 centimeters that portrays a surreal, dreamlike tableau. The composition features a whale suspended in the sky above a red telephone booth partially submerged in water, while a weathered wooden pier anchors the foreground. This imaginative convergence of air, land, and sea elements invites viewers into a world where the boundaries of reality dissolve, highlighted by the vivid contrast of the iconic British telephone booth amidst an aquatic setting.

Artistic Style and Influences
Ma’s work channels the visual language of surrealism, evoking echoes of René Magritte’s fantastical juxtapositions and Salvador Dalí’s dream imagery. The meticulous oil technique lends a hyperreal clarity to otherwise impossible scenes, creating tension between realistic detail and illogical composition. The thematic interplay between isolation and communication resonates with motifs found in contemporary surrealist practice, while the painter’s bold palette—especially the arresting red booth against the muted watery background—emphasizes symbolic narrative over naturalism.

Historical Context
Created in 2016, Loneliness of the Deep emerges in a period marked by global introspection on connectivity and alienation, reflecting cultural anxieties about communication in an increasingly digital world. The iconic red telephone booth—historically a symbol of public communication—submerged in water suggests obsolescence and loss, while the whale’s flight challenges natural order and invites contemplation on environmental and existential themes. Ma’s painting thus dialogues with contemporary concerns through a lens shaped by surrealist tradition.

Provenance and Authenticity
For detailed provenance information and certification of authenticity, interested parties are encouraged to contact the gallery directly.

Condition and Conservation
The painting is in excellent condition with no visible signs of surface wear or restoration. The oil paint retains its original vibrancy and texture, and the canvas is well-stretched with no distortions. Routine conservation assessments are recommended to maintain its pristine state.

Artistic Significance
Loneliness of the Deep exemplifies Dutao Ma’s unique contribution to contemporary surrealism, blending poetic symbolism with technical mastery. This work holds a significant place in Ma’s oeuvre, demonstrating his ability to intertwine narrative complexity with visual serenity. The painting’s resonance with themes of isolation and transformation invites ongoing scholarly interest, positioning it as a compelling piece for both collectors and institutions invested in 21st-century surrealist art.