- 1005
Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)
Estimate
8,000,000 - 12,000,000 HKD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)
- 04.10.2000
- signed in Pinyin and Chinese; signed in Pinyin and dated 00 on the reverse
- oil on canvas
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by the present important private Asian collector
Condition
The work is overall in very good condition. There is no sign of restoration under UV examination.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Space Forged with Colours
The movements of the universe and its landscape are abstract as well as mysterious. These are represented by abstract elements such as brushstrokes and colours, commencing a journey thorough exploration and distillation spanning multiple decades. By the time 04.10.2000 (Lot 1005) was created, Zao was confidently fluent in the abstractionist style. The lines, brushstrokes and colours display a greater sense of freedom, openness and fluidity. In particular, the colours themselves convey an evolving sense of movement, with irregular colours of black ink dispersing across the canvas, spreading towards the edges from dark to light, as if the space is expanding and morphing, evoking a sense of infinite spatial extension. The artist has always adpoted a varied approach to the expression of space. “I have always admired Cimabue and his approach to space…fauvism really surprised me. Its space was created completely by the treatment of colours…For me, cubism was even more perplexing. It deconstructed space by taking movements apart and dividing surfaces. I never knew that space can be so rich and painting can express such a multitude of dimensions. It is truly incredible,” he recalled. 04.10.2000 is just like fauvism as he interpreted it, relying heavily on the treatment of colours to represent space: while fauvism makes use of a rich palette of contrasting colours to highlight the multiple layers of space, Zao Wou-ki draws inspirations from Chinese ink painting traditions for his oil paintings, and a boundless landscaped was consequently evoked with its fluid rhythm.
Distinct from Zao’s works in the 50s and 60s, 04.10.2000 departs from the use of heavy and dramatic lines and brushstrokes. With large areas of colours as the leading elements, it makes use of colours that are lighter, more illuminating, richer and more fluid. Some of the ink colours possess a silk-like nimbleness, fusing together bright yellow colours, as if they are rays of morning sunshine or billowing waves and translucent mist. Like the five shades of ink colours in Chinese painting, the colours on the oil painting display the gradual variations of fading and rendering effects of Chinese ink, reminding the view the subtle variations in the Mi Fei’s clouds and mountains and the bold “xieyi” expressiveness in Xu Wei’s ink paintings. Using the format of Chinese ink painting as a reference, the form Zao created with a rich palette of colours unlocks the expressive power of his art, transforming space into an illuminating, translucent domain of the mind. Heavily influenced by the spirit of Chinese art, Zao had always placed a strong emphasis on conveying the noble spirit of space when it comes to the expression of space and abstractionism. This is the most important distinction between his art and other European as well as American abstractionist art.
The movements of the universe and its landscape are abstract as well as mysterious. These are represented by abstract elements such as brushstrokes and colours, commencing a journey thorough exploration and distillation spanning multiple decades. By the time 04.10.2000 (Lot 1005) was created, Zao was confidently fluent in the abstractionist style. The lines, brushstrokes and colours display a greater sense of freedom, openness and fluidity. In particular, the colours themselves convey an evolving sense of movement, with irregular colours of black ink dispersing across the canvas, spreading towards the edges from dark to light, as if the space is expanding and morphing, evoking a sense of infinite spatial extension. The artist has always adpoted a varied approach to the expression of space. “I have always admired Cimabue and his approach to space…fauvism really surprised me. Its space was created completely by the treatment of colours…For me, cubism was even more perplexing. It deconstructed space by taking movements apart and dividing surfaces. I never knew that space can be so rich and painting can express such a multitude of dimensions. It is truly incredible,” he recalled. 04.10.2000 is just like fauvism as he interpreted it, relying heavily on the treatment of colours to represent space: while fauvism makes use of a rich palette of contrasting colours to highlight the multiple layers of space, Zao Wou-ki draws inspirations from Chinese ink painting traditions for his oil paintings, and a boundless landscaped was consequently evoked with its fluid rhythm.
Distinct from Zao’s works in the 50s and 60s, 04.10.2000 departs from the use of heavy and dramatic lines and brushstrokes. With large areas of colours as the leading elements, it makes use of colours that are lighter, more illuminating, richer and more fluid. Some of the ink colours possess a silk-like nimbleness, fusing together bright yellow colours, as if they are rays of morning sunshine or billowing waves and translucent mist. Like the five shades of ink colours in Chinese painting, the colours on the oil painting display the gradual variations of fading and rendering effects of Chinese ink, reminding the view the subtle variations in the Mi Fei’s clouds and mountains and the bold “xieyi” expressiveness in Xu Wei’s ink paintings. Using the format of Chinese ink painting as a reference, the form Zao created with a rich palette of colours unlocks the expressive power of his art, transforming space into an illuminating, translucent domain of the mind. Heavily influenced by the spirit of Chinese art, Zao had always placed a strong emphasis on conveying the noble spirit of space when it comes to the expression of space and abstractionism. This is the most important distinction between his art and other European as well as American abstractionist art.