The answers are A, D and G.

The sentence contrasts Lin’s restrained print with the gallery’s more extravagant installations. Although the work appeared simple and understated, Lin believed it was actually more powerful and visually compelling than the others. The final sentence reinforces the idea that achieving true simplicity can be harder than creating something obviously elaborate.

Blank (i):
A. arresting: Arresting means striking or attention-grabbing. This fits perfectly because Lin believed the work was more impactful and compelling than the more lavish pieces around it.
B. emblematic: Emblematic means symbolic or representative. The sentence focuses on visual effect and impact, not symbolism.
C. decorative: Decorative means ornamental. This does not fit the contrast with lavish installations or the idea of restrained artistic power.

Blank (ii):
D. modest: Modest means simple, restrained, or unassuming. This fits perfectly because the work appears understated compared to the gallery’s more extravagant displays.
E. costly: Costly refers to expense. The sentence is discussing appearance and artistic effect, not financial value.
F. schematic: Schematic means simplified or diagrammatic. While possible in some artistic contexts, it does not fit naturally with the contrast between restraint and lavishness.

Blank (iii):
G. florid: Florid means excessively elaborate or ornate. This fits perfectly because the sentence contrasts difficult-to-achieve simplicity with something obviously showy and decorative.
H. provisional: Provisional means temporary or tentative. This has no logical connection to visual elaborateness.
I. flashy: Flashy is somewhat tempting because it suggests showiness. However, “overtly florid” is the stronger and more precise contrast to restrained simplicity in an artistic context.