Yue Minjun, Smile-ism No. 4, 2006
Lithograph in colours on wove paper
109.5 × 79.4 cm
Edition of 45
Condition: Very good - like new
Proof of purchase available
-
This lithograph by Yue Minjuni (Chinese, b. 1962) is a playful yet thought-provoking, blending humor with social critique, a signature of the Chinese contemporary artist.
The central figure, a laughing man with a wide, exaggerated grin, is a recurring motif in Yue’s work, often serving as a self-portrait and symbol of ironic detachment.
In this composition, the figure resembles the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, surrounded by multiple outstretched arms performing various hand gestures. The numerous arms can be seen as a reference to Buddhist iconography, and the many arms symbolise compassion and ability. However, here, the smiling figure seems to subvert this traditional symbolism, hinting at themes of forced happiness, or societal pressures to maintain an outward appearance of joy.
The isolated island setting, with lush greenery beneath the figure, may symbolize a form of escape or detachment, as if the character is removed from reality, caught in his own perpetual grin. The lithograph reflects the artist’s exploration of existential absurdity and the complexities of the human condition, where laughter becomes both a mask and a form of critique in navigating modern life's paradoxes.
Acquired from Artnet Auctions.
*Image background has been composited.The artwork is the actual piece. The tape fastening the print is also a render.
(Photographed in September 2024)
Lithograph in colours on wove paper
109.5 × 79.4 cm
Edition of 45
Condition: Very good - like new
Proof of purchase available
-
This lithograph by Yue Minjuni (Chinese, b. 1962) is a playful yet thought-provoking, blending humor with social critique, a signature of the Chinese contemporary artist.
The central figure, a laughing man with a wide, exaggerated grin, is a recurring motif in Yue’s work, often serving as a self-portrait and symbol of ironic detachment.
In this composition, the figure resembles the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, surrounded by multiple outstretched arms performing various hand gestures. The numerous arms can be seen as a reference to Buddhist iconography, and the many arms symbolise compassion and ability. However, here, the smiling figure seems to subvert this traditional symbolism, hinting at themes of forced happiness, or societal pressures to maintain an outward appearance of joy.
The isolated island setting, with lush greenery beneath the figure, may symbolize a form of escape or detachment, as if the character is removed from reality, caught in his own perpetual grin. The lithograph reflects the artist’s exploration of existential absurdity and the complexities of the human condition, where laughter becomes both a mask and a form of critique in navigating modern life's paradoxes.
Acquired from Artnet Auctions.
*Image background has been composited.The artwork is the actual piece. The tape fastening the print is also a render.
(Photographed in September 2024)
Lithograph in colours on wove paper
109.5 × 79.4 cm
Edition of 45
Condition: Very good - like new
Proof of purchase available
-
This lithograph by Yue Minjuni (Chinese, b. 1962) is a playful yet thought-provoking, blending humor with social critique, a signature of the Chinese contemporary artist.
The central figure, a laughing man with a wide, exaggerated grin, is a recurring motif in Yue’s work, often serving as a self-portrait and symbol of ironic detachment.
In this composition, the figure resembles the Thousand-Armed Guanyin, surrounded by multiple outstretched arms performing various hand gestures. The numerous arms can be seen as a reference to Buddhist iconography, and the many arms symbolise compassion and ability. However, here, the smiling figure seems to subvert this traditional symbolism, hinting at themes of forced happiness, or societal pressures to maintain an outward appearance of joy.
The isolated island setting, with lush greenery beneath the figure, may symbolize a form of escape or detachment, as if the character is removed from reality, caught in his own perpetual grin. The lithograph reflects the artist’s exploration of existential absurdity and the complexities of the human condition, where laughter becomes both a mask and a form of critique in navigating modern life's paradoxes.
Acquired from Artnet Auctions.
*Image background has been composited.The artwork is the actual piece. The tape fastening the print is also a render.
(Photographed in September 2024)