Tsang Tsou Choi (King of Kowloon)

executed in 1998

Hong Kong,  Olympian City 2, King of Kowloon Exhibition, 24 September - 5 October, 2007

minor dirt along the upper edge, area of punctures at the lower right along the left bottom edge of the paintings. Otherwise in satisfactory condition
"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."

Note: The proceeds of this lot will go to the Association of Contemporary Visual Arts - an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting Public Art in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong legend Tsang Tsou Choi contributed to the longevity of Chinese traditional arts as he applied his ink brush all over the city.  His textual graffiti is seen on much of Hong Kong's "public furniture," the content reading of his own thoughts on the colonial government, which in turn reflective of the collective consciousness of Hong Kong people.  The self-professed "King of Kowloon", Tsang has been covering bridges, electrical contractors, postboxes and others with his calligraphy since he was 35.   Relentless in his endeavour, undeterred by multiple warnings or police arrests, he persisted in laying down his text in all its entirety.  The recalcitrant nature of his Chinese graffiti becomes an oblique representation of Hong Kong's desperate yearning for a cultural identity under colonization.  His earnest efforts reached a pinnacle in 2003 when Zeng, the very first Hong Kong artist to have been bestowed with the honour, was invited to participate in the 50th Venice Biennale.  Subsequent to his passing away in 2007, much of Tsang Tsou Choi's calligraphy has been eradicated save a single pillar at the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier. Calligraphy (Lot 602), truly an exceptional gem by virtue of its monumental size, was executed in 1998 on canvas.  Its content reads of the artist's classic expression of recording his family genealogy as well as his personal history as an emperor on exile.