ZAO WOU-KI | 28.5.65

Kootz Gallery, New York

Galerie de France, Paris

Private Collection, Brussels (acquired from the above circa 1975)

Private Collection, acquired by descent

Sotheby’s, Paris, 5 December 2018, Lot 17

Acquired from the above by the present owner

Jean Leymarie, Zao Wou-Ki, Barcelona 1978, p. 292, no. 349, illustrated

Jean Leymarie, Zao Wou-Ki, Paris 1986, p. 332, no. 381, illustrated

"Compared to his earlier works, Zao Wou-ki’s paintings from the ’60s were more extensive, evocative and proficient in bringing out his unique temperament and natural character" Pierre Schneider

"There is a sense of mysticism in Zao Wou-ki’s paintings, a sense of mystery that is completely natural and not in the least bit contrived—evident from the myriad conflicts, nuanced deviations and nature of relativity depicted on the canvas, from which boundless imageries are born, and become parts of a macro universe under his paintbrush." Daniel Marchesseau

28.5.65 exemplifies Zao Wou-Ki’s distinctive style. Executed during the artist’s Hurricane period (1959 – 1972), which is considered to be the high point of his career, the calligraphic details and smoky accents that form the composition of this canvas demonstrate the manner in which this artist situated his oeuvre in between Western and Chinese traditions, taking influence from each. In its appreciation, we are reminded of the assertions made by feted French curator Daniel Marchessau: "There is a sense of mysticism in Zao Wou-ki’s paintings, a sense of mystery that is completely natural and not in the least bit contrived—evident from the myriad conflicts, nuanced deviations and nature of relativity depicted on the canvas, from which boundless imageries are born, and become parts of a macro universe under his paintbrush."