Fang Zhaolin

inscribed, signed FANG ZHAOLIN, dated 1984, and with one seal of the artist

Acquired directly from the artist
Lo Shan Tang
A Private European Collection

This work is in good condition overall. Framed under glass.
"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."

Artist inscription:

Upon returning to Hong Kong from London in 1984, for days I've only been greeted with cheerful news. Yet as I was trying to finish this landscape, I suddenly heard news about the Brighton Hotel bombing by the IRA. The Prime Minister managed to escape unharmed, yet the casualties were high. Recently the U.K. has been plagued by misfortune. It has been over half a year and the mine workers strike remains unsolved, and now this wave of tragedy has befallen the nation. Who knows what sort of tragedy awaits us in the future.  12 October 1984, Hong Kong

In recent years I've visited famous sites across China. Inscriptions on stones by the river are a distinctive characteristic of our nation. I am deeply impressed by how landscape and bird and flower paintings demand so many inscriptions all over. Especially on a painting titled "Grief Stricken Thought," the stones are covered with inscriptions. Two critics were enraged by this and accused me of distorting the image. A more flagrant instance has yet to be found. If I do not refute this, future viewers may accuse me of not having enough inscriptions.  My inscriptions pertain to my 30 years of personal experiences and the trials and tribulations of my artistic path. Those who study my works can use them as research materials in the future. Fang Zhaolin, 13 October