"Sample II" (2005) is a rare and large-scale silkscreen print on paper Contemporary Chinese artist, Xue Song (b. in 1965, China). This work measures 38.2 x 29.5 in. (97 x 75 cm), is from an edition of 99, and is in excellent condition. Xue Song's work is continually evolving and based on keen observation and insight into his country's adjustments in the post-Mao era.
Xue takes an unique conceptual approach to creating the portrait of Mao Zedong, filling his iconic silhouette with denizens of Pop-Art inspired neon purple and pink figures in miniature that replace Mao's facial features. The background is also filled with small figures of Chinese solders and military leaders. Revered Chinese calligraphy adorns Mao's attire here as if street-art or graffiti, and as such is recontextualized.

Song was born in 1965 in China, was raised during the end of the Cultural Revolution there, and was therefore well-aware of the social, cultural, and political environment in China well before it began opening to the West. He established his artistic career the 1980's and aware of his fellow artists' desire to contribute to the regeneration of their culture. Heavily influenced by artists from the Western canon including Jasper Johns, Mondrian, Franz Kline, and Picasso, he also found inspiration in the work of legendary artists including Xu Beihong, Zhang Daqian, and Qi Baishi.