The fresh blossom in A Touch of Plum stands out against a desolate grey background of bare winter branches. While the other portraits Yang Xun's Flowers series all depict a supernatural light shining from the center of their subjects, this early bloomer appears woefully mortal. According to the artist, "The pale pink petals are tender and innocent, but in this desolate scene, seem to have bloomed in vain. This defiant but fragile blossom is bound to inspire hope for an early Spring." Yang’s Flowers series was inspired by Song dynasty flower paintings on round fans. With brilliant light and soft shadow, he uses his subjects to portray multisensory memories of attraction, hope, longing or despair.

A word from The Artist

In this series, the flowers bloom shamelessly and bring to mind the fleeting splendor of exploding fireworks. In the dramatic light that illuminates the center of flower, the stamens and pistils stand out with their imperfections. I aim to freeze the most glorious moments into an eternal instant, as if it is the last second before exquisite beauty withers and life itself bids farewell. The fleeting bloom of a flower is a reflection of the human spirit.