Press Release

Sotheby’s presents “Art of Tomorrow: Works Sold to Benefit the Chu Foundation” at Contemporary Art 2020 Autumn Sales

Hong Kong
AN ECLECTIC GROUP OF ASIAN AND WESTERN CONTEMPORARY ART FROM THE PERSONAL COLLECTION OF ESTEEMED ART PATRONS NATALIE CHAN CHU AND LAWRENCE CHU

SOLD TO BENEFIT THE CHU FOUNDATION IN SUPPORT OF ART EDUCATION AND ARTIST EMPOWERMENT
Martin Wong, Iglesia Pentecostal, 1986, acrylic on canvas,273 x 211.5 cm
Est. HK$4,000,000 – 6,000,000 / US$520,000 – 775,000

This October, Sotheby’s is honored to present “Art of Tomorrow: Works Sold to Benefit the Chu Foundation”, an eclectic collection from prominent Hong Kong-based art collectors and patrons Natalie Chan Chu and Lawrence Chu. A total of 34 lots will be offered across Contemporary Art Evening and Day Sales, featuring a compelling group of paintings, sculptures and installation art by some of the most sought-after Asian and Western contemporary artists including Martin Wong, Firenze Lai, Zhang Enli and Jonas Wood.

A portion of the sale proceeds will benefit the Chu Foundation, an independent not-for-profit entity founded by the Chu’s with a mission to empower human potential through art and education. Funds will be used to support the Foundation’s latest project, the Chu Residency at Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture in Japan, which is scheduled to launch in 2021. The Residency will invite artists from around the world to the tranquil town of Tateyama to focus and develop their visions and crafts, and will further expand to include a mentorship program and an interactive and communicative digital space. Fostering artistic and cultural exchange, artistic education and a deep understanding of each artists’ relationship with their work, the Residency aims to be a holistic and diverse community driving the future of international artistic creation.

With a combination of works by Asian and Western blue-chip artists as well as emerging local talents, the Chu Collection represents a distinct perspective from Hong Kong where the Chu family is rooted. Its diversity in expression reflects Natalie and Lawrence’s belief that art can spark innovation and enrich lives.

Many of the works in the collection represent a special memory for Natalie and me when we personally interacted with the artists, gallerist and curators. We are thrilled to share with Sotheby’s and collectors from around the world these works by artists who are primed for future growth. They are on the frontiers of human expression and the world needs their creativity now more than ever. We strive to empower them and support the art community at the Chu Foundation, fostering cross-cultural communications and sharing and ultimately bringing a positive impact to society at large.
Lawrence Chu

Lawrence and Natalie Chu
The ‘Art of Tomorrow’ collection spotlights works by established artists and young and cutting-edge talent whose unique visions inspired Natalie and Lawrence throughout their collecting journey. We are honored to be entrusted with this remarkable collection, and are proud that the sale will benefit the Chu Foundation’s steadfast dedication to support and cultivate artistic exchange. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such passionate young collectors right here in Asia to drive meaningful initiatives that support the art community, further paving the way for emerging artists around the world.
Yuki Terase, Head of Contemporary Art, Asia of Sotheby’s

Contemporary Art Evening Sale (6 October) Highlights


Georg Baselitz Ein Werktätiger (The Worker)
1967, oil on paper laid on canvas
100 x 81 cm
Est. HK$4,500,000 – 6,000,000 / US$585,000 – 775,000
Jonas Wood Blue Crate with Still Life
2012, oil on linen, 122 x 76.3 cm
Est. HK$3,000,000 – 4,500,000 / US$388,000 – 585,000
Firenze Lai The Colleagues
2017, oil on canvas, 130 x 110 cm
Est. HK$900,000 – 1,200,000 / US$117,000 – 155,000
Zhang Enli The Tuck Net (2)
2013, oil on canvas, 180 x 200 cm
Est. HK$600,000 – 1,200,000 / US$77,500 – 155,000

About the Chu Foundation

Founded by Natalie Chan Chu and Lawrence Chu in 2015, the Chu Foundation is an independent not-for-profit entity that strives to advance humanity by partnering with visionaries in transformative fields. With a core vision of promoting education and cultivating artists on the frontiers of human expression, the Foundation supports renowned institutions including Pompidou, Tate and Smart Museums. The Foundation also supports a wide number of charities and organisations around the world that bring a positive impact to society, including Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, University of Chicago, and Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children.
Thechufoundation.org

About the Chu Residency at Tateyama

Conceived as a space to inspire, the Chu Residency at Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture, Japan will launch in 2021, inviting national and/or international artists each year. Artists will be welcomed to an immersive experience and a community structure unbound from the constraints of traditional institutions, which will foster a deeper understanding of artists’ relationship with their work and elevate their creative endeavours. The Chu family was introduced to Tateyama through its partnership with IWA, a new sake brand by Richard Geoffroy and a group of creative minds.

Hong Kong Exhibition

3-7 October 2020
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre

Auctions

Contemporary Art Evening Sale
6 October 2020

Contemporary Art Day Sale
7 October 2020

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