Artwork Description

Title:Color Wheel 01

Artist:
Yan Lei

Date:
Undated (Contemporary)

Medium:
Oil painting

Dimensions:
180 × 180 cm (70.9 × 70.9 in)

Artwork Identification:
Color Wheel 01 is a refined and luminous oil painting by Yan Lei, measuring 180 by 180 centimeter. The composition is built from concentric rings in a spectrum of pinks, starting with a vivid, saturated hue at the outer edge and transitioning gradually to a soft, pale pink near the center. The innermost focal point contains a subtle off-yellow circle, surrounded by a narrow, deep olive-green ring—an unexpected chromatic contrast that draws the viewer inward. The background is rendered in a muted beige tone, gently offsetting the circle and enhancing the meditative clarity of the composition.

Artistic Style and Influences:
This work exemplifies Yan Lei’s precise visual language of chromatic gradation and minimalist geometry. The restrained structure and delicate hue modulation echo the logic of color field painting, while the concentric format suggests spiritual or cosmic themes reminiscent of mandalas. The unexpected introduction of yellow and olive tones at the center brings an element of surprise, interrupting the pink tonal field and activating a subtle psychological depth. The work recalls the formal purity of Josef Albers and the sensorial quiet of Agnes Martin, while maintaining Yan’s distinct conceptual grounding.

Historical Context:
As part of Yan Lei’s long-running Color Wheel series, Color Wheel 01 occupies a place within the artist’s investigation into color systems, visual standardization, and the aesthetics of perception. Created against the backdrop of China’s post-1990s conceptual art movement, the work shifts away from overt cultural critique toward meditative abstraction. The tonal variations and controlled structure respond to contemporary concerns with digital uniformity, offering a slower, more contemplative form of engagement. This piece speaks to a broader global interest in the spiritual potential of minimalist art.

Provenance and Authenticity:
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

Condition and Conservation:
The painting shows small marks of discoloration on the beige background. Otherwise, the artwork is in very good condition.

Artistic Significance:
Color Wheel 01 is a particularly elegant example of Yan Lei’s chromatic abstraction, distinguished by its warm, emotive palette and its quietly compelling composition. The introduction of olive green and off-yellow tones provides a compositional tension that enhances the otherwise serene format. As collectors and institutions increasingly focus on contemporary works that balance conceptual clarity with aesthetic refinement, this painting offers a compelling case for the enduring relevance of Yan Lei’s artistic vision.