“Pearls and daffodils” (2022), oil on canvas, 59 x 47 inches. All photos by Nicolas Brasseur, courtesy of the artist and Almine Rech, shared with permission
Through ethereal portraits that vacillate between Eastern and Western traditions, Ji Xin coaxes an ambiance of contemplation and ennui. The Chinese artist blends elements of Song dynasty paintings, like the relaxed, unhurried poses of his feminine figures, with particulars of Renaissance works, producing compositions that place calm women among gilded, elegant interiors.
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Rendered in a subtle palette of gold and pastel hues, the portraits are delicate and laced with longing and introspection. The subjects all shy away from the viewer, and as shown in “Pearls and daffodils” and “Ripples,” many are in the midst of confronting their emotional states through mirrored reflections of themselves or similar figures. Their elongated limbs stretch across their torsos or hang from their bodies, conveying a sense of stillness and repose.
The paintings shown here are on view through February 4 at Almine Rech Paris as part of the artist’s solo show, Moonlight · Butterfly. You can find more from Ji Xin, who currently lives and works between Hangzhou and Shanghai, on Instagram.
“Moon light” (2022), oil on canvas, 71 x 59 inches
“Sunrise” (2022), oil on canvas, 75 x 59 inches
“Ripples” (2022), oil on canvas, 59 x 47 inches
“Pistil” (2022), oil on canvas, 16 x 12 inches
“White swan” (2022), oil on canvas, 59 x 47 inches
“The dream of the water” (2022), oil on canvas, 59 x 47 inches
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