Capturing the deep complexities of human psyche has always been at the core of Qiu Yacai's artistic pursuits. Qiu can unveil such complexity with just a few deliberate strokes, and precise contours recalling the technique of baimiao ('plain drawing') in traditional Chinese literati painting. While the features of the figure in The Youth in Blue Shirt (Lot 2379) recalls the ones seen in portrait paintings of the Tang Dynasty-arching eyebrows, small eyes, full lips - Qiu adds a sense of modernity in the shapes of the elongated and stoic face and body. Through the thin coats of primary hues and balanced composition, Qiu reveals the true internal struggle between conflicting emotions under the facial expression which otherwise suggests aloofness and distance.