Lot 330
  • 330

TANG DA WU | The Quest of Sorceress Li 《荔仙姑之尋尋覓覓》

Estimate
100,000 - 150,000 HKD
bidding is closed

Description

  • Tang Da Wu
  • The Quest of Sorceress Li 《荔仙姑之尋尋覓覓》 
  • Signed, dated 2014, inscribed and titled in Chinese
  • Ink, color and gold pigment on paper
  • 260.5 by 153 cm; 102 1/2  by 60 1/4  in.

Provenance

Private Collection, Singapore

Condition

This work is in good overall condition as viewed. There is some light buckling to the paper but this can be easily consolidated by a professional framer. Framed, under plexiglass.
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.

Catalogue Note

The founder of Singapore’s seminal The Artist Village, Tang Da Wu is known for using performance, installation, painting and drawing, to explore social and environment themes.  The Quest of Sorceress Li 《荔仙姑之尋尋覓覓》is  a work from Tang’s series based on Singapore’s pioneering artist, this particular painting commemorates Georgette Chen, one of the darlings of the Nanyang Art Movement. The title bestows Chen with mystical powers, Li or荔 is the first word in Georgette’s Chinese name 荔英. Tang’s prowess and ability to “perform” even in the very act of painting is evident in this monumental work – the scale and suspended ink marks show the artist’s actions as he commits his whole body and spirit into each brushwork. While this very approach to painting is rooted in the core philosophies of traditional Chinese calligraphy, the abstracted forms and dramatic sense of movement marks a daring experimentation with Abstract Expressionism, performance art and the medium itself. A rare departure from Tang’s monochrome ink works, the intense red and glistening gold pigment applied here, renders a joyous ode to Georgette Chen’s artistic pursuits.