Dog Man Man 5
Sen Ye
Artwork Details
Artwork Description
Title: Dog Man Man 5
Artist: Sen Ye
Date: n.d.
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 33.5 x 21.7 in (85 x 55 cm)
1. Artwork Identification
Dog Man Man 5 is a dynamic acrylic painting on canvas by contemporary artist Sen Ye. The composition features a pair of exaggerated, caricatured figures caught in a selfie-like pose—one male in the foreground with a broad, theatrical smile, and a second, more reserved female figure receding into the background. The figures’ green-tinged complexions, crimson lips, and expressive features contrast vividly with the vertical teal backdrop and the bold swaths of magenta and yellow clothing.
2. Artistic Style and Influences
Sen Ye’s work blends figuration with pop-cultural satire, characterized by distorted physiognomies, vibrant synthetic color palettes, and a biting psychological undercurrent. Dog Man Man 5 shows clear influences from Expressionism and Neo-Pop, as well as a kinship with the socially critical portraiture of artists like George Condo or Yue Minjun. The style revels in the grotesque and the absurd, challenging the conventions of portraiture and emotional representation in contemporary visual culture.
3. Historical Context
While undated, Dog Man Man 5 resonates with the visual language of 21st-century Chinese art that critiques identity, digital narcissism, and performative modernity. The selfie-like composition, stylized expressions, and theatrical color choices reflect the collision between personal intimacy and public persona in the age of social media. The work may be read as a commentary on the fragmentation of selfhood and the absurdity of hyper-curated self-representation.
4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.
5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The acrylic surface is stable, with no signs of flaking, discoloration, or physical damage. The canvas remains taut and clean. The pigments retain their original saturation and are free from visible fading or wear.
6. Artistic Significance
Sen Ye’s Dog Man Man 5 is a striking example of his conceptual approach to portraiture and identity. The series confronts viewers with an unsettling mix of humor, distortion, and social commentary, making it a powerful contribution to the discourse of contemporary figurative painting. This particular work offers collectors a compelling exploration of postmodern psychology and visual culture, suitable for a collection focused on provocative and socially engaged contemporary art.