In the autumn auction of this October, the Asian 20th Century & Contemporary Art Department is proud to present over 160 artworks with a total estimate exceeding HK$110 million. Echoing the great success of last year’s ‘POP ART’ series, two new series will take center stage this time – ‘POP ART II’ and the greatly anticipated ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’. The ‘POP ART II’ series, starring Yoshitomo Nara’s masterpiece – Midnight Vampire, along with works by other renowned artists, including Hiroyuki Matsuura, Key Hiraga, You Jin, Kuo Chwen, A-Lei, Reach, KAWS, Alfonso Wong and the highly sought-after David Zwirner Gallery’s newly signed Chinese artist Liu Ye. A rare collection to showcase and capture the diverse and vibrant culture of the young generation, as well as their appreciation towards art collection.
The history of art carries through the entire ‘Spirit of Calligraphy’ series, and calligraphy is used as a creative and artistic outlet to express individual’s unique interpretation of art. Moreover, the series provides a platform to present the decisive influence how Asian and Western cultures have had on the artists, and the breakthrough innovations in their works. It brings together some incredible artworks and big names under one roof. The classic works by the pioneer of modern Chinese painting Lin Fengmian; Zao Wou-Ki, who has rekindled the passion for life after walking through the narrow ways of life and crystalised the experience into the heart-striking 24.01.73; Chu Teh-Chun’ Navigation Imaginaire, and works by Ting Yinyung, Guan Liang and Shiy De-Jinn. To make the series even more eye-catching, it includes works by Yuichi Inoue, the representative figure in Japanese avant-garde calligraphy, and the founder of Lyrical Abstraction Georges Mathieu's crème de la crème work – Hommage à Watteau. The latter is a 5 meters long breathtaking painting which is the longest painting in the Asian auction market so far. Using the colours of the French national flag as the main hues, the painting forms a vivid image of a carriage, which gallops between heaven and earth as if no one is watching. The painting embodies the artist’s deep feelings for the past glorious days and the bright future of France, it is filled with personal emotions and special significance.
In addition, the never been auctioned Buddha-Riding Dragon (248 cm) sculpture by the Asian contemporary sculptor Li Chen will be joining the sale. Such a lush collection is truly a feast for the eyes that cannot be missed.
Yoshitomo NARA
Midnight Vampire
Painted in 2010
Acrylic on canvas
73 × 60.5 cm
LIU Ye
Lost Balance
Painted in 1995
Acrylic and oil on canvas
65 × 65 cm
LIN Fengmian
Lady in Blue
Painted in 1947
Ink and colour on paper
69.5 × 66.5 cm
Tsuguharu FOUJITA
Portrait of a Wealthy Lady
Painted in 1934
Watercolour and ink on paper
46 × 33 cm
CHU Teh-Chun
Navigation Imaginaire
Painted in 2002
Oil on canvas
65 × 81 cm
JU Ming
Single Whip
Executed approximately in 1985-1989
Bronze sculpture
Edition: 8/20
46.5 × 72.5 × 44.9 cm
LI Chen
Soaring Dragon
Executed in 2010
Bronze sculpture
Edition: 8/8
139 × 48 × 33.5 cm