Towards Prosperity 1994

Yu Youhan created *Towards Prosperity* using oil on canvas, with a loose and energetic hand. The oil paint is applied in a thin, almost washy manner, allowing the dark underpainting to peek through and create a sense of depth. The material handling is crucial here. The artist's marks are visible, the brushstrokes confident yet unrefined. It is clear that the images aren't as important as the commentary they make. The rainbow lines and simple shapes are all part of the artist's visual language, and his distinctive brand of Pop Art with political leanings. The image is a commentary on Chinese Socialism and the changes introduced by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. While seemingly naive in its application, Youhan's painterly style conveys a powerful message, as it encapsulates a moment in history when traditional artistic boundaries were blurred and new forms of expression were being embraced. The use of oil paint, a Western medium, further underscores this fusion of influences. Ultimately, materials, making, and historical context come together to give this artwork its full meaning.