Great Criticism Series - Lei Feng
Original painting on canvas • Wang Guangyi (Chinese, born 1957)
Style & Movement
Chinese Political Pop
Medium & Technique
Oil and acrylic on canvas, utilizing stenciling and flat color application with integrated numerical typography (stamped/stenciled numbers)
Creation Period
circa 1990s - early 2000s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 120cm x 100cm; Portrait format
Subject Description
The central figure is the Chinese cultural icon Lei Feng, a soldier of the People's Liberation Army used as a model of selfless service. He is set against a red and yellow 'sunburst' background reminiscent of Mao-era propaganda posters. The composition is overlaid with recurring sequences of numbers ('1234', '567890'), which critique the commodification of Chinese politics and the transition to a consumer-driven society.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears taut and colors remain vibrant without signs of age-induced fading or planar distortion.
Estimated Market Value
USD $200,000 - $400,000
Auction Estimate
USD $150,000 - $300,000
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a contemporary art gallery specializing in Chinese avant-garde or directly from the artist's studio/Beijing art market circulo.
Art Historical Significance
Wang Guangyi is a central figure in the 'New 85' movement and the progenitor of Political Pop. This series is historically significant for juxtaposing Socialist Realist imagery with Western commercial aesthetics, marking a pivotal moment in Chinese contemporary art's global emergence.
Notable Features
The distinctive use of 'check-out' barcode-style numbers over Maoist imagery is the artist's signature conceptual atribute, representing the 'price tag' placed on historical ideologies.
Condition Issues
No visible craquelure, paint loss, or mechanical damage. Light surface dust consistent with display is present.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered lighting. Use of a professional float frame is recommended for protection.