Artwork Description

Title: Alarm Illusion
Artist: Quan Zou
Date: Undated
Medium: Ink and mixed media on paper
Dimensions: 41.3 × 29.9 in (105 × 76 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Alarm Illusion by Quan Zou is an evocative mixed-media work on paper, measuring 105 × 76 cm. The composition centers on an ethereal female figure, delicately rendered with translucent layers and soft tonal gradations. She appears to hold an undefined object, introducing a sense of mystery and psychological depth. The muted palette and atmospheric treatment contribute to the work’s dreamlike quality.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
The piece exemplifies contemporary figurative surrealism, blending realistic anatomical details with an otherworldly ambiance. The use of layered ink washes and fine linear detailing echoes elements of traditional Chinese ink painting, while its conceptual framework aligns with modern surrealist and psychological art traditions. Quan Zou’s approach evokes a state of liminality, where beauty and tension coexist.

3. Historical Context
Produced in an era when contemporary Chinese art increasingly engages with inner states and subconscious narratives, this work resonates with broader global discourses on identity and dream imagery. It reflects a shift from purely external representations to introspective and symbolic explorations, indicative of artists negotiating cultural heritage and modernity.

4. Provenance and Authenticity
Please contact the gallery directly for provenance details and authenticity certification.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in good overall condition, with no visible surface abrasions or discoloration noted. Given its paper-based medium, it is recommended to frame with UV-protective glazing and archival materials to prevent fading or humidity-related issues.

6. Artistic Significance
Alarm Illusion is a compelling example of Quan Zou’s ability to fuse technical precision with conceptual ambiguity, offering viewers an immersive experience in poetic surrealism. Its significance lies in its synthesis of Eastern aesthetics with contemporary psychological narrative, marking it as a valuable contribution to the discourse on modern Chinese figurative art.