Yang Jiechang

signed YANG JIECHANG and in Chinese, dated 1991 lower right 
(on reverse) signed, titled, and dated 1990-1991

Galerie Jeanne Bucher Jaeger, Paris

Overall in good condition, with various ink print marks at image top as inherent to the artist's intention. There are very minor foxing spots scattered throughout, evident on paper beneath the gauze. Framed dimension: 148 by 215 cm; 58¼ by 84⅝ 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."

Yang Jiechang is a pioneer of conceptual art in China, recognized for his unorthodox use of ink. He immigrated to Europe in 1989, a year that marked a paradigm shift in his personal life and was especially notable for his participation in the legendary exhibition, Les Magiciens de la Terre in the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, France. For the incredibly polarizing display that uprooted the curatorial discussion on Eurocentric art history, Yang Jiechang first presented four large-scale works from his 100 Layers of Ink series. In this series, he intertwines a Chinese traditional medium with a conceptual process that brought him substantial recognition as a pioneer of conceptual art in China.

In 1990 the following year, Yang created the present lot from same the series for his first solo exhibition abroad and was awarded the Pollock Krasner Grant in recognition of artistic merit for works on paper.  The 100 Layers of Ink series is composed purely with of ink, water and xuan paper, and is the product of an intense repetitive process;  Yang applies layer upon layer of ink that imparts an unusual texture, as though melded into the paper itself. As the paper becomes completely saturated, the result is an intense black sculptural, often partially reflective,surface. These expansive textured paintings represent “a performance lasting over one and a half months”. The process of repetition and resulting luminescent quality reflect certain aspects of his studies of Daoism and Zen Buddhism, as intended for the Paris 1989 exhibition, this painting represents “history… a room, a space, rather than simply a flat surface.”¹

¹ Noey, Chris, and Howard Silver. Yang Jiechang Discusses His Work 100 Layers of Ink in Ink Art: Past As Present in Contemporary China. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 13 May 2014, www.metmuseum.org/metmedia/video/collections/asian/yang-jiechang-ink-art-2.