Fragrance of Chrysanthemums

Liao Xinxue was a pioneer of modern art in Yunnan and a founder of art education there. He achieved remarkable accomplishments in sculpture, oil painting, pastel, and multiple other fields. His works were selected nine times for the French Spring and Autumn Salons and repeatedly won gold, silver, and bronze awards, earning him the reputation of being “one of the most influential Chinese painters in Europe” at the time. Fragrance of Chrysanthemums was created during his early period in France, blending Impressionist techniques of light and color, with flowers that are colorful and full in shape. The rhythmic brushstrokes in the background make the simplicity and vibrant vitality of the chrysanthemums even more vivid. This work reflects Liao Xinxue’s extraordinary perseverance in advancing his artistic path, emerging from a mountain village in Yunnan with the spirit of “facing difficulties fearlessly and braving the frost,” and it also carries his deep affection for the landscapes and customs of his homeland.