Artwork Description

Title: Plantain Girl
Artist: Shaoli Chen
Date: n.d.
Medium: Ink and watercolor on canvas
Dimensions: 29.9 x 28.3 in (76 x 72 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
Plantain Girl is a compelling ink and watercolor work by Shaoli Chen, capturing a contemporary portrait of two young women set against a stylized botanical backdrop. Rendered on canvas with confident brushwork and a refined palette, the composition places the figures amidst broad-leaved plantains and rocky outcrops. One figure stands confidently with a hand raised behind her head, clad in rolled jeans and purple sneakers, while the other—dressed in flowing white garments and a lilac sweater—gazes contemplatively to the side, her red backpack adding a vivid counterpoint.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
Shaoli Chen masterfully blends traditional Chinese ink painting with modern figurative stylization, evoking a hybrid aesthetic that recalls both classical literati painting and contemporary illustration. The expressive faces and exaggerated postures recall Chinese manhua and modern caricature, while the botanical and rocky elements echo the conventions of Song and Yuan landscape traditions. His sensitivity to texture and tone lends emotional resonance to the otherwise relaxed scene, highlighting the contrast between the serene setting and the vibrant personalities of his subjects.

3. Historical Context
Created in an era when Chinese society was undergoing rapid modernization, Plantain Girl reflects the duality of tradition and transformation. The incorporation of urban fashion—denim, sneakers, and casual tops—within a classically inspired environment underscores the fusion of old and new that defines much of contemporary Chinese visual culture. The plantain motif, long present in Chinese ink paintings as a symbol of grace and resilience, here frames the figures in a subtle cultural echo, reinforcing the continuity between past and present.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition. The surface is stable with no evidence of pigment loss, warping, or water damage. The colors remain vivid, and the fine lines show no signs of fading. There are no visible tears or restorations, and the canvas has been well preserved.

6. Artistic Significance
Shaoli Chen is celebrated for his innovative synthesis of traditional ink painting with contemporary themes. Plantain Girl serves as a hallmark of his ability to navigate cultural dualities through portraiture—offering a nuanced, stylish depiction of modern femininity rooted in classical aesthetics. As part of a broader body of work exploring generational identity, this piece contributes to Chen’s reputation as a leading figure in the evolution of Chinese ink painting in the 21st century.