- 386
AFFANDI | Resting Man
Estimate
700,000 - 900,000 HKD
bidding is closed
Description
- Affandi
- Resting Man
- Signed and dated 1966
- Oil on canvas
- 99 by 140 cm; 39 by 55 in.
Provenance
Sotheby's Hong Kong, 7 October 2012, Lot 358
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner
Private Collection, Singapore
Acquired from the above sale by the present owner
Private Collection, Singapore
Condition
The work is in good condition overall as viewed. Examination under ultraviolet light shows no sign of restoration. Framed.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
“…Reference to reality was never lost – it was constant and necessary, but it became increasingly referential. Beginning with themes related to poverty, the nature of the self, and humanity, his impasto working of color had him little by little evolving beyond reality, toward the big whirling of things that be, toward a visual reflection on the cosmic nature of things. From statements on worldly matters, he shifted to contemplation.” [1] Affandi is renowned for his unprecedented technique and his dynamic and gestural painting style. The artist did not employ conventional forms of brushwork or tools, but instead made intimate contact with his canvases – opting to use his fingers and palms to smear paint applied directly from tube to surface. Each stroke is permeated with his most innate emotions, ultimately creating a highly expressionistic composition.
Resting Man is a profound work that precisely captures the essence of Affandi’s innovative explorations. The painting was completed in 1966, which was during the pinnacle of the artist’s creative streak after spending five years in India and Europe. During these years abroad, Affandi had the opportunity to hold multiple solo exhibitions and most importantly, was able to witness firsthand the works of prominent European artists during that time. Amongst them, he found himself aligning ideals with artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner; the artist was fond of the way these artists encompassed reflections of the inner human psyche and their liberal use of colors to convey cognitive themes of his chosen subject matters.
As the title suggests, the present lot is a stylistic rendering of a man lying horizontally across the width of the canvas. The predominantly green painting bears resemblance to Reclining Nude, an iconic painting of a red nude that was painted in the same year the present work. The meandering figure has his back facing away from the viewer, curled up into slight fetal position with his limbs held close to his body. The figure also appears to be cradling, possibly, a pillow close to his face and body. Affandi captures the atmosphere of a languid slumber, the man depicted in a comfortable and secure position. Furthermore, the brilliant hues of green and yellow establishes an aura of relaxation and tranquility; it was characteristic of Affandi to boldly employ striking, unnatural colors for the sole purpose of commanding distinct emotions and moods within his works. Despite the dramatic nature of his markings on canvas, Resting Man is a testament to Affandi’s immaculate dexterity in controlling his medium and technique in fashioning a harmonious composition. The wavy, visceral brushstrokes that construct the curvatures of the somnolent man protrude from the work’s surface. Resting Man stands as a testament to Affandi’s passion for depicting subjects that moved him with a sense of spontaneity and sincerity so quintessential to the artist.
[1] Sardjana Sumichan cited In Affandi Volume Ii, Bina Lestari Budaya Foundation and Singapore Art Museum, 2007, p. 43
Resting Man is a profound work that precisely captures the essence of Affandi’s innovative explorations. The painting was completed in 1966, which was during the pinnacle of the artist’s creative streak after spending five years in India and Europe. During these years abroad, Affandi had the opportunity to hold multiple solo exhibitions and most importantly, was able to witness firsthand the works of prominent European artists during that time. Amongst them, he found himself aligning ideals with artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner; the artist was fond of the way these artists encompassed reflections of the inner human psyche and their liberal use of colors to convey cognitive themes of his chosen subject matters.
As the title suggests, the present lot is a stylistic rendering of a man lying horizontally across the width of the canvas. The predominantly green painting bears resemblance to Reclining Nude, an iconic painting of a red nude that was painted in the same year the present work. The meandering figure has his back facing away from the viewer, curled up into slight fetal position with his limbs held close to his body. The figure also appears to be cradling, possibly, a pillow close to his face and body. Affandi captures the atmosphere of a languid slumber, the man depicted in a comfortable and secure position. Furthermore, the brilliant hues of green and yellow establishes an aura of relaxation and tranquility; it was characteristic of Affandi to boldly employ striking, unnatural colors for the sole purpose of commanding distinct emotions and moods within his works. Despite the dramatic nature of his markings on canvas, Resting Man is a testament to Affandi’s immaculate dexterity in controlling his medium and technique in fashioning a harmonious composition. The wavy, visceral brushstrokes that construct the curvatures of the somnolent man protrude from the work’s surface. Resting Man stands as a testament to Affandi’s passion for depicting subjects that moved him with a sense of spontaneity and sincerity so quintessential to the artist.
[1] Sardjana Sumichan cited In Affandi Volume Ii, Bina Lestari Budaya Foundation and Singapore Art Museum, 2007, p. 43