Серия "Маски" №10 1998

Zeng Fanzhi's 1998 painting, "Серия "Маски" №10," depicts two men in suits and masks seated on a blue bench. Their faces are painted in a style reminiscent of traditional Chinese portraiture, with exaggerated features and a focus on the eyes. The men's expressions are ambiguous, suggesting both alienation and conformity. The artwork is a powerful commentary on the complexities of modern society and the role of masks in contemporary life. The "Mask" series was created as a reaction to the rapid changes occurring in China during the 1990s, particularly in the wake of economic reforms and the rise of globalization. This series is a significant contribution to contemporary Chinese art, exploring themes of identity and social transformation.