Oil on canvas

34.4 × 48.8 cm. 13 1/2 x 19 1/4 in.

Signed in Chinese phonetic alphabet, dated in Suzhou Code on bottom center
PROVENANCE
Lung Men Art Gallery, Taipei
Private Important Collection, Asia

Note: This work is attached with a label of Taipei Lung Men Art Gallery on the reverse

This work is accompanied by a certification of authenticity issued by Lung Men Art Gallery, Taipei

Sincerity and Romance
The Animal Notes of Max Liu
Max Liu dedicated his entire life to painting animals and related field research, adopting an artistic style that is imbued with primitivism and life energy. However, Liu’s crafting of animal images was not based on realism and his outlines invariably start from intuition and emotion, expressing the type and psychology of animals through their appearance. In this way, the artist anthropomorphically infuses their simple and unadorned lives with new life re-presentations.
In 1972, Liu visited the Philippines and the work Manila Calesa (Lot 776) depicts horses he saw in the capital Manila. Packhorses are used for physical labor and the animals depicted in the painting have their heads bowed after being used for such tasks over many years. At the same time, the lines of their bodies are smooth making it easier for them to carry heavy loads while also replete with a sense of texture. In addition, the horses overlap in the painting, almost as if their lives are a collective entity. Indeed, although the Liu expresses his affection for the packhorses of Manila he also depicts their collective spirit and appearance, imbuing the painting with the appeal of primitive art.
The work She is Shy (Lot 775) adopts an even simpler approach to animal depiction, the artist using a few quick brushstrokes to dissect the different postures and expressions of two cats. In this way, the animals are accorded a richness of mental activity and the slight yellow of the eyes seems to convey shyness, Moreover, the dark background, the way the cats are turned to the side and their expression, almost as if sneaking a peek, creates an added sense of mystery. Even as the march of civilization continues, the paintings of Max Liu retain the primitive innocence of the animals he depicts and in a painting that could be considered either witty or solemn, Liu’s romantic, sincere and curious brushwork is a testament to his genuine love of animals.

Price estimate:
HKD: 18,000 - 28,000
USD: 2,300 - 3,6 00

Auction Result:
HKD: --