艾珠·克裡絲汀

The work is in good condition overall, as is the canvas. There is minor wear and handling to the edges, but the paint layers are well preserved and stable. Under ultraviolet light inspection there is no evidence of restoration. The colors and texture of the work are more prominent in reality than illustrated in the catalogue. Unframed, on stretcher.
"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."

激發觀者的想象力並引領他們進入未知的藝術世界，是克裡絲汀特有的藝術魅力。自2009年的「層次」系列，她的作品注滿活力，輕鬆自如地創造出新形式的半抽象畫，在二維空間傳遞出複雜的人類情感與理想境界。

大膽鮮明的藍色調是此幅作品獨特之處，除2012年作的另兩幅畫外，畫家未曾如此大幅的運用此色。而同色同畫風的作品，《階梯》是唯一一幅，它 營造出一個世外的魔幻境地。

《階梯》屬於其為日本 OTA 畫廊展覽所作的「訴說階梯」系列，也可算是「層次」系列的一部分。如克裡絲汀一貫的藝術語言，只有一些零星碎片被展現出來，幾處重疊鋪排著的長方形輕輕提示階梯的存在，卻又不道明，更顯畫作深蘊。畫幅中心是一個土耳其藍的梯子形圖案，兩側朱紅的螺栓固定，階梯盤繞旋轉，成為一個萬種藍色的幻影，天藍、深藍、鈷藍、蔚藍、青藍，彷彿一座天空城堡、通往天國的階梯。

克裡絲汀以階梯比喻人類精神及身體上攀爬向上的本性，經此途徑達致更高境界，修成正果。每上一步，我們的信念便會更堅定，化腐朽為神奇。克裡絲汀相信不斷重複便能造就信念。如穆罕默德·阿里所說；「重複增加強度，重複的肯定會產生信仰。而當信仰堅定時，神奇的事情便將會發生 。」《階梯》極具魄力，它不僅視覺效果強烈，更提醒我們藝術的真諦不在於表面，而是在其打動心靈深處的那瞬間。