Acrylic on canvas

280 ×180.3 cm. 110 1/4 × 71 in.

Signed in Chinese, and titled on the reverse
PROVENANCE
6 Apr 2015, Poly Hong Kong Spring Auction, Lot 249
31 Mar 2019, Poly Hong Kong Spring Auction, Lot 120
Acquired directly by present important private European collector from the above
European collector from the above

Time Tunnel, Evidence of Existence
The Pinnacle of Wang Guangle's Untitled Series 090906

“When people ask me what I paint, I say time. For example, when it comes to ‘being old,' if you look in the mirror every day time is silent and imperceptible, but if we compare ourselves to how we looked 10 years ago we lament time lost in the twinkling of an eye. In the same way, the river waded in today is not the same as yesterday as it has long since moved on. It was precisely such a realization that led me to create this series of works. I wanted to imbue time with warmth. Chinese people often use the word ‘old' but invariably overlook the rich life experience that comes with “being old.' Richness of thought can give one wonderful experiences that surpass those of youth. Viewed this way, ‘old' represents a peak it is worth spending a lifetime climbing. This is the life experience that time has given me.”

―― Wang Guangle

Rebellion and Change in Contemporary Chinese Aesthetics

Wang Guangle was born in Fujian Province, attended the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing at the age of 16 and has since become a major figure in the new era of Chinese abstract painting. However, although Wang attended the school when it very much focused on the realist style of European classical painting, he ultimately chose the path of rebellion in the form of abstract painting. In this context, the artist adopted “metaphysical” painting ideas to express changes in time and space which combined with his own spiritual philosophy led to the development of a distinctive artistic language. Wang has participated in numerous important exhibitions in the country and overseas, including the Prague Biennale, Busan Bienniale in South Korea and the California Asia Pacific Triennial. In addition, his works have been collected by Museum Ludwig in Cologne Germany, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the National Art Museum of China, with collectors around the world won over by Wang's introverted works brimming with spirit.

In 2002, Wang Guangle started to produce his Terrazzo series of works and in 2006 the Coffin Paint series. In the former, he applied the process of repetition as he infused the fine pattern from terrazzo building materials with the character of the times and re-presented it on a canvas, utilizing this unexplained and emotionless state to convey memories of history. In contrast, the Coffin Paint series takes the life philosophy of Asians and transforms it into a painting method, one that makes the coloured lines on a coffin two dimensional and a vehicle for self understanding. In 2007, Wang created the Untitled series, which one Western art historian has dubbed “a time tunnel,” by which he meant Wang took inspiration from his earlier life experience and repeatedly added layers of colour to the canvas, in a creative process reminiscent of an ascetic monk, measuring existence and perception in life to highlight the importance of time in the creative process. On this occasion, we are honored to auction 090906 which represents the pinnacle of the Untitled series. The piece is not only the perfect synthesis of Wang Guangle's creative development and achievements it is also the largest painting by the artist to come onto the market, making it even more rare and worth collecting.

The Annual Rings of Light, Silence Is More Expressive than Spoken Words

In the vertical composition 090906 Wang Guangle adopted an almost ritualistic self-discipline and twice a day follows a formula whereby he gradually shrank the silhouette inwards. He also added pigments to the canvas and ultimately showcases a rectangular structure, with the space contracting and colours transitioning from light to dark as they move toward the centre. In addition, as the repeated accumulation of pigments mean the paint becomes thicker the work takes on a three dimensional feel akin to that of sculpture, while the transitional colours add a sense of spatial depth. Seen from a distance the work appears as a light halo emanating outwards with no boundaries, reminiscent of pieces by American light sculptor James Turrell, using the contrast and blending of colour to express images of “frozen time.” However, when viewed close up one can see the brush marks left by the artist as he placed pigment on pigment, the undulating width of the borders, the mixed colours of similar brightness and intermingled textures. Once the canvas dries the accumulated air bubbles, lumps and reflectivity are the unexpected encounters of the creative process. These are like wrinkles on skin or the growth rings of trees, offering evidence of the artist's thought process and where he stands. However, his works do not have the perfectly proportioned and precise “designed space” of Turrell, as Wang manually creates works related to “light perception.” The piece has a highly contemporary context with narrative and emotional colours stripped away, but it still retains the creativity and warm feelings of a master craftsman, using a simple and pure composition to speak directly to the human heart.

Recording Time

The colours in 090906 gradually transition from grey-white at the exterior to magenta at the centre, with layer after layer of pigmentation. However, because each layer is smaller than the previous layer it appears as though the two colours are overlaying and the centre seems bottomless, expanding outwards from warm to cold hues, which imbues a work that large enough to consume people with a magical power. It is like entering a scene created by American abstract expressionist master Mark Rothko and inviting viewers to explore the unknown boundless space. In this way, Wang Guangle took the gentle flow of time and transformed it into a concrete image, while using the vast expanse of space to express the fluctuations of time. In addition, the artist also named the work after the day, month and year it was completed, as if a declarative summary of the outcome. This also represents the best possible testament to Wang's concept-based core creative philosophy.

From Terrazzo to Coffin Paint and the auctioned work 090906 from the Untitled series, we have seen how Wang Guangle reflects on and is true to time as he embraces aesthetic change. Wang's works break from the habitual thinking and simple dichotomy of abstract and representational art, in as much as he infuses them with conceptualism and uses vibrant language that further expand the possibilities inherent in painting. As Marcel Proust notes In Search of Lost Time “The pursuit of lost time does not have to be identical to real memory.” We have seen how Wang Guangle constantly seeks to broaden the self and go beyond the boundaries of traditional painting and with that understanding this work is like a time tunnel Wang has been constantly painting. Its visual ups and downs awaken in viewers the depths of memory and showcase unprecedented freedom.

Price estimate:
HKD: 4,000,000 - 6,000,000
USD: 509,600 - 764,300

Auction Result:
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