Artwork Description

LI MING
Flowers and Birds, n.d.
ink and color on paper
41 × 50 cm (16.1 × 19.7 in)

This expressive composition features intertwining red blossoms and dark foliage arranged in a dense, rhythmic structure. A grasshopper is positioned among curling branches, introducing a subtle narrative element within the otherwise abstracted natural field. The interplay of deep greens and saturated reds creates a strong chromatic contrast across the surface.

Li Ming’s brushwork is spontaneous yet controlled, characteristic of the xieyi tradition. Ink is applied with varying density, allowing forms to emerge through layered gestural strokes. The result is a composition that balances vitality with structural coherence.

The subject matter reflects the symbolic richness of the flower-and-bird genre, in which flora and fauna serve as carriers of poetic meaning. The insect motif introduces a sense of scale and movement, enhancing the work’s compositional dynamism.

This painting exemplifies Li Ming’s ability to synthesise expressive brushwork with traditional themes. Its energetic surface and balanced composition make it a compelling example of contemporary ink practice rooted in historical continuity.