Artwork Description

Title:Abstract Figures

Artist
Ding Shaoguang (丁绍光)

Date
n.d.

Medium:
Work on paper

Dimensions
26.8 × 26.8 in (68 × 68 cm)

1. Artwork Identification
This exquisite Untitled work by Ding Shaoguang exemplifies his renowned fusion of stylization, symbolism, and vibrant design. Executed on paper with meticulous brushwork and saturated color, the composition centers on a seated female figure rendered with sculptural elegance. Her elongated limbs, sweeping hair, and delicate facial features are surrounded by rhythmic forms, including abstracted sailboats and a richly patterned drum-like vessel, evoking a dreamlike, maritime setting. The intricate layering of lines and color blocking speaks to Ding’s technical precision and lyrical compositional balance.

2. Artistic Style and Influences
A leading figure of the Yunnan Art School, Ding Shaoguang blends traditional Chinese artistic motifs with global visual languages, particularly Art Nouveau elegance and Ancient Egyptian stylization. The present work echoes the linear sophistication of Gustav Klimt and the decorative sensibility of stained glass windows, combined with the meditative stillness of Tang dynasty portraiture. The color scheme—deep blues, copper, and jewel tones—further enhances the work’s spiritual and sensorial richness.

3. Historical Context
Ding emerged as a prominent voice in the post-Cultural Revolution art scene, embracing figurative lyricism and symbolic abstraction in contrast to the previously dominant political realism. His work in the 1980s and 1990s was instrumental in defining the Yunnan School’s focus on introspection, mysticism, and cross-cultural dialogue. This composition reflects the artist’s maturity, bridging Eastern introspective poetics with Western modernist innovation.

4. Provenance
Provenance documentation can be provided upon contact.

5. Condition and Conservation
The artwork is in very good condition, with no evident signs of fading, foxing, or surface abrasions. The pigments retain their original luminosity, and the surface remains stable and structurally sound. The piece is ready for conservation-grade framing and display.

6. Artistic Significance
Ding Shaoguang is celebrated internationally for his role in forging a modern Chinese visual identity that resonates with global audiences. His works are prized for their aesthetic harmony, philosophical undertones, and refined craftsmanship. This piece, with its rich symbolism and technical mastery, stands as a testament to Ding’s enduring legacy and collectible importance in the contemporary art market.