Gu Mei (Koo Mei)

signed and dated 1988 in Chinese, and marked with one seal of the artist

Private Asian Collection

Overall in good condition. There is scattered foxing on the upper left quadrant of the painting, which can be improved with restoration. Overall framed dimensions: 99.4 by 71.7 cm; 39⅛ by 28¼ in.
"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."

Born into an artistic family, Koo Mei grew up surrounded by the Lingnan school masters such as Feng Kanghou, Li Yanshan, and Zhao Shaoang who were close friends of her father, Gu Danming, a well-known painter and collector from Guangdong. Having studied all forms of art since a young age, Koo made her debut as a singer and actress in Hong Kong during the 1950s and was famously known as “Small Skylark” in the entertainment industry. In 1962 she began painting under the tutelage of renowned artists Hu Nianzu, Lui Shoukwan and Zhao Shaoang,. Koo’s approach to colour follows a concept of liubai (leaving white or blank space) and shading that is characteristic of the Lingnan school style emphasizing layered ink washes and dramatic lighting. Her realistic and modern landscapes of mountains, valleys, and mist subtly weave innovative concepts of ink into a unique personal style. Currently residing in Canada, Koo has exhibited her works in dozens of exhibitions between Asia and North America, and she received the Urban Council Artist Award by the Hong Kong Museum of Art in 1977.