Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji)

Signed in pinyin and Chinese (lower right)
Executed in 1974
THIS IS A PREMIUM LOT. CLIENTS WHO WISH TO BID ON PREMIUM LOTS ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION 3 WORKING DAYS PRIOR TO THE SALE. BIDnow ONLINE BIDDING SERVICE IS NOT AVALIABLE.

Private Asian Collection

Taipei, Lin and Keng Gallery, Zao Wou-ki, December 2009 - January 2010

Zao Wou-ki, Taipei, Taiwan, 2010, Lin and Keng Gallery Publishing, p. 46 and illustrated on the front cover

Overall in satisfactory visual condition. There is cracking of the paint at mid and upper-right. At lower middle there is a small area of paint loss and a small area at the centre left where the paint has come away to reveal an area that is possibly part of the original canvas or slight mould.
"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."

The painting 5.3.71-28.11.74 is undoubtedly representative of a significant period in Zao Wou-ki's life (March 5th 1971 – November 28th 1974), and portrays a dramatic change in the artist's frame of mind.

Looking into the gloomy darkness on the left side of the canvas, a wisp of air disseminates across the canvas diffusing a death-like dimness and stretching across to the light on the right.  This central quiver of black and the more centralised areas of black elsewhere on the canvas are representative of the artist's state of mind.  From these areas of paint the artist is recalling the times he nursed his sick wife, the days when he lost his focal point, the days of mourning love and the days after 1973 when the artist was slowly able to let go of these thoughts and welcome a new stage into his life.  He introduces soft yellows, romantic purples and subtle greys and whites into the composition to symbolize his new beginnings.  Following the composition, as a whirlwind or in scattered patches, the paint creates a rhythmic melody and prepares the viewer to leave the haze of the past, to welcome in a new unforeseen life, emerging onto the canvas with a clear poetic quality.  The lively arrangement and composition of the painting reveals undertones of Eastern philosophies on landscape painting.

Zao Wou-ki's use of white on the canvas provides a beautiful poetic pause in which we can peacefully wander, stop, take a step back and breathe.  It is at this point that we pause, in the most quiet and beautiful of moments.[1]       

[1] Zao Wou-ki, Lin and Keng Gallery, 2005, p.155