Guigen Zha

Red Peonies, Original Painting

2023

Artist Comments
Artist Guigen Zha paints two red peonies looking at each other in a white vase. The lively flowers bloom one after another in a realistic fashion. The flowers lose their root system when they are pruned and placed in a vase with restricted freedom but they still bloom fiery red. "Life is tenacious, life is beautiful," says Guigen.

About the Artist
From cross-cultural life experiences, artist Guigen Zha presents conceptual compositions of traditional Chinese art imposed on contemporary elements. He seeks a balance of the harmonic and contradictory in each artwork—a synthesis of different artistic traditions. Guigen's creative passion led him to a fruitful career as an art teacher, animation artist, and graphic designer in Shenzhen and Shanghai. He migrated to the United States and finished his BFA at Missouri State University and his MFA at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Guigen bridges surrealism and postmodern art with still-life objects and their spatial relationships in the digital age. His recurring theme of eastern cultural relics brings honor to his deep connection to his heritage. "My work is a strong emotional expression of candor, belief, and hope," says Guigen. Working from his home studio, Guigen enjoys being in a state of tranquility where he can quietly contemplate. Aside from painting, he spends time writing poetry and bonding with his family—his pillar and strength. Guigen continues to work part-time as a graphic designer and art teacher.

Words that describe this painting: peony, vase, floral, flower, poetic, silk, mixed media, oilpaint, realism, flora, still life, night, still life, flora, realism, mixed media artwork, red

Red Peonies
Guigen Zha
oil on silk and canvas on stretched canvas
Painting wraps around edges
Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2023
14 in. h x 11 in. w x 1.5 in. d
1 lbs. 10 oz.