Asian artists in the spotlight

On Tuesday 4th June, Artcurial launches the Post War & Contemporary art auctions. The auction will present works from the greatest Asian artists, including Zao Wou-Ki, Chu Teh Chun and Lee Ufan.

Two Chu Teh-Chun oils on canvas will be presented including Synthèse hivernale C. It was painted in 1988, the year following his triumph in Asia, in 1987 when he exhibits at the National Museum of History of Taipei. The Chinese artist joins together 32 years of immigration (he lives in France since the age of 35) and his roots: freed from the weight of recognition of his peers, he produces without any restraint. This method used for the synthesis, which bears its name, combines a particular time in the artist’s career and the unique history of its collector, its first and only owner since acquisition. The owner discusses how he chose the painting in Chu Teh-Chun’s studio in Bagnolet and what inspired him: «By train in winter, he crossed a forest where it was snowing». One reads in this canvas an extremely sensitive connection with nature, as if the artist took the pulse of that winter (estimate: € 1,000,000 - 1,500,000).

Another great Chinese Abstract master, Zao Wou-Ki, will be represented in particular by the oil on canvas 24.1.61/62, created in 1961-62. It is part of the quest for a disembodied artistic creation. The painting should only refer to the painting. The artist invites the spectator to completely immerse oneself in his painting without necessarily attempting to extract any sense or rational explanation. Seeking to express emotions with a play of colours, material and movement, Zao Wou-Ki encourages a deeper reading of his work. Climaxing to the idea that a piece must allow for the opportunity of universal comprehension, Zao Wou-Ki’s reflection transcends the order of his time. By abolishing the descriptive titles of works and replacing them by simple dates of execution, he seeks to put himself in the background (estimate: €1,500,000 - 2,500,000). An oil on canvas, Dialogue, created in 2008 by the South-Korean artist Lee Ufan complete this Asian segment (estimate: € 270,000 - 350,000) leaving the place to American artists.

Exhibition in Paris

Friday 31st May 11am - 7pm

Saturday 1st June 11am - 6pm

Sunday 2nd June 2pm - 6pm

Monday 3rd June 11am - 7pm

Auction in Paris

Tuesday 4th June 2019 - 6pm

Browse the online catalogues
Post-War & Contemporary Art I
Post-War & Contemporary Art II

Auction Contact
Vanessa Favre

Tel. +33 1 42 99 16 13

News Contact
Carine Decroi