Gu Wenda (B. 1955)

Private American collection

The work is in overall good 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Wenda Gu was born in Shanghai in 1955, studied with the Chinese ink painting master Lu Yanshao and  graduated from the Zhejiang Academy of Fine Arts (The China National Academy of Fine Art) in 1981. He first made his name through his submission of a conceptual ink painting to the exhibition “Recent Works of Chinese Painting” in 1985 in Hubei, which shocked the Chinese art world. Unlike most artists of the “New Art Wave 1985”,  who were trained in western art as oil painters or sculptors, Gu has a strong foundation in classical painting, and an appreciation for traditional Chinese art.  Gu is one of the most important figures in the “New Ink” movement in China since the 1980s. He uses pseudo characters and combines painting with calligraphy.    

Gu moved to the United States in 1987. His understanding of both Chinese and western culture enables him to create many inspiring works, including the United Nations series that has been exhibited around world.