Fang Zhaolin

signed FANG ZHAOLIN, dated 1989, and with three seals of the artist

Acquired directly from the artist
The Mary and George Bloch Collection

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

Fang Zhaolin is not only an artist recognised for her significant contribution to the development of Chinese painting in the 20th century, but represents a worldly intellectual and woman ahead of her time in modern China. Born in Jiangsu Province, China in 1914, Fang began her studies in China and excelled in traditional Chinese painting under the tutelage of Qian Songyan and Chen Jiucun. The tumultuous political situation in China brought Fang to the UK in 1937 when she was accepted to Manchester University to study European history. In 1957 she enrolled in the University of Hong Kong to study Chinese philosophy and literature, whereupon she returned to her artistic studies and painting. In the 1960s she studied guohua (national painting) with Lingnan School master Zhao Shaoang and later transitioned her artistic practice to explore expressionist styles with renowned modern painter Zhang Daqian. Her studies in Europe and travels between China and the Americas provided Fang with the opportunity to develop an artistic language rooted in tradition yet is undeniably modern. Her paintings are manifestations of her lifetime of intellectual and artistic curiosity in an era of change, combined with a determination for survival and recognition of a better world.

In the late 20th century, Fang Zhaolin's creations stand for change in both style and content. Through her colourful and naive painting style, her works are easily accessible to a viewing public unfamiliar with the intellectualised structure of Chinese painting. And through her direct reference to current events through her images and inscriptions, her voice is easily heard. Recognised for her Boat People series depicting the waves of Vietnamese refugees fleeing their home in the late 1970s and 1980s, Fang Zhaolin also created paintings of images from her travels or nostalgia of her homeland. Mountains and Rivers of My Native Land (1989) is an exceptionally noteworthy painting of a towering landscape with people slowly climbing their way to the top. Her inscription states that "Life is hard, but friends and family endure…". In a time of conflict she chooses cheerfulness and optimism. "One must be undaunted by setbacks, must keep moving ahead and must strive for change and innovation. Since the sixties I have continued to push myself to hard work and, with unflagging faith and determination, have continuously sought a way forward." -- Fang Zhaolin, London, June 1988