Walasse Ting (1929-2010) "Summer afternoon", 1979.

Acrylic on canvas.

Entitled "Summer Afternoon", signed "Ting" and dated 1979 on the reverse.

Size: 153x205 cm

"I create oil painting, utilizing vibrant colours to fashion a magnificent garden" - Walasse Ting.

This work "Summer Afternoon" perfectly represents Walasse Ting's desire to capture the freshness that exudes beauty. This work stands out for being a representation of his delicacy in the transposition of colors. For many reasons it is one of the most outstanding pieces of the artist that shows the crystallization of his style. In this work integrated the importance of the color of Fauvism, the drip of abstract expressionism along with lines that are reminiscent of traditional Chinese calligraphy. Also, the scene is represented on a large-format canvas that dominates to perfection.

The composition is organized in the space by different layers of masterfully chosen shades of vibrant colors, representing two elegant girls in a daring attitude. Its elegance is represented by lines with lines typical of oriental writing. The maidens are on a blue background that creates visual tension through the use of color. They are seated in a paradise of colorful flowers and drops made using the action painting technique, which is based on movement and energy to create spaces for action.

The two women youth and the flowers together with the freedom created by the color, the line and the random brushstrokes create a magical space that represents a fleeting moment full of spring and liveliness. His intention is capture the freshness of the portrayed because inside is the great beauty. It should be noted that a tinge of minimalism is observed in the simplicity of the composition that consists of blocks of colors along with elegant lines. In general, the whole work is a sensory pleasure, in fact he proclaimed himself "Flower Thief" because of his ability to capture the youth beauty.

The works made around the end of the 70's exude a daring and moving brilliance. The most used colors in this stage are blue as a background as opposed to greens and yellows. In addition, he incorporates details in warm colors. At this time Walasse Ting explores with the use of rich and passionate colors, instinctive movements, the speed of brush strokes and poetic scenes.

Provenance:

Lens Fine Art, Anvers.

European private collection.

References: 

Christie's, Hong Kong, November 24th, 2013. Lot 136. Hammer price: € 220,771 (2,320,000 HKD)

Ravenel International Art Group, Taiwan, June 7th 2015. Lot 235. Hammer price: € 1,634,969 (TWD 56,320,000)

Zhong Cheng Auctions Co. Ltd, Taiwan, December 18th 2016. Lot 199. Hammer price: € 568,320 (TWD 19,200,000)

Ravenel International Art Group, Taiwan, December 2nd 2017. Lot 128. Hammer price: € 638,856 (TWD 22,800,000)

Notes

Walasse Ting is recognized as one of the best international artists of the 20th century. He has a brave and personal style that stands out in many ways. He was born in 1930 and raised in the city of Shanghai. He lived here until in 1952 he moved to Paris where he became friends with members of the Cobra, Karel Appel, Asger Jorn and Pierre Alechinsky. In 1960 he moved to New York, where he meets Sam Francis and Abstract Expressionism. He also had relationships with numerous highly influential American artists such as Andy Warhol. Between 1950 and 1970 he experienced the rise of art movements such as Neo Expressionism, Photorealism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art and Minimalism. His experiences and his origin will have a visible impact on the work of Walasse Ting. He passed away in New York on May 17, 2010.

Some of his pieces are housed in major collections in world-class museums, galleries, and art foundations. Including the Guggenheim of New York, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Delaive Gallery in Amsterdam, the Alisan Fine Arts Gallery in Hong Kong, the Guimet Museum in Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum, the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, the Tate Modern in London, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai (MOCA).

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