Chinese Contemporary artist Zhao Limin (B.1970) is renown for creating works which comment on concerns of the past and future of the Chinese society and government during a rapidly changing state of culture and practices. His most recent works humorously render versions of babies in adult social situations of power, control, and leadership, with contradicting muted serious hues and undertones. Here in “The Emperor’s New Clothes” series, Limin combines the Western folktale of a narcissistic foolish king with contemporary Chinese issues and concerns. This work is unframed and in excellent condition.

In “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, Limin amasses a multitude of sunflowers, a symbol of faith, loyalty and longevity, all facing a marching company of babies, naked, symbolizing innocence and purity of youth. The children’s confident parading dispositions, the self absorbed “leader” gazing at a hand mirror and adorned in boastful headgear, and the overcast sky all comment on the arrogance of inexperienced, naivety in leadership. Limin paints the worshiping sunflowers lining the procession like civilians who’s future lies in the hands of the next generation.

Zhao Limin was born in the Liaoning Province and graduated from the art department of inner Mongolia Academy of Fine Arts in 1995. He has been included in major exhibitions like the “International Contemporary Art Exhibition” 798 Art District in Beijing, China, The Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and the Invitational in East Region Art Center in Beijing, China.