Summer Time

Wang Yidong pays tribute to the rustic country life and people within northern China through his exquisite photorealist artworks, which have formed the essence of his career since the 1980s. His love for idyllic pastoralism was inspired by his hometown of Linyi, Shandong Province, where the historical Longshan culture was discovered. Through polished, detailed renditions dwelling on the simplicity of northern life, Wang also brings to bear a contemporary Chinese perspective within his works. The countryside vignettes, seen through Wang's brushwork, are pleasant and serene. The young girl portrayed in Summer Time appears bashful and innocent: her ethnic, flowered blouse is airy and soft, bringing a touch of coolness to the blistering summer heat. Overall the composition is refined, as Wang employs a classical technique to imbue the portrait with understated delicacy and lushness.

Wang is a master at composing visually exquisite artworks, primarily emphasizing the colors of red, black and white. Positioned within a heavy, dark background, the girl is exceedingly lifelike and appears as though ready to walk out of the frame. This artistic approach is consistent with the chiaroscuro method, contrasting light and dark shades, employed within Western Realism. Wang's superlative oil application transforms an ordinary country girl into an idealized maiden reminiscent of portraiture during the Italian Renaissance : she radiates pureness and spiritual dignity. Flawless and graceful, Wang's young muse exemplifies elegance and classic Chinese charm.