Vivid red, glossy hands, each in the gesture of the 'peace sign', together form the pattern of a star that represents the might and power of China, with denizens of anonymous, miniature red figures clamoring at the center of this confined space. "Red Star no 18" (2009) is a major oil painting by Chinese Contemporary artist Shi Lifeng (China, b. 1968) that encapsulates the artist's ongoing literal and metaphorical exploration of China's ever changing place in the world, as well as its past and future in an incredibly dynamic composition. This painting belongs to his seminal "Controlling" Series and comes to international auction here for the first time. This painting measures 39.37 x 39.37 inches (100 x 100 cm) is unframed and in excellent condition.

As one the most critically acclaimed artists of the Chinese Avant-Garde movement working today, Shi Lifeng's oil paintings are unmistakable in their consistent theme of the anonymous struggle of the individual against a domineering power. Shi Lifeng tends to paint most of his work in brilliant reds and solid blacks, with his newer works such as this work integrating blue skies, flowers and a broader color palette. The artist graduated graduated Hei Bei Normal College in 1991 and has exhibited international at such institutions as the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art (Shanghai, China), Yang Gallery (Singapore), and Beijing Contemporary Art Museum (Beijing, China), among many others. His works are highly sought after on both the primary and secondary markets.