Baked steel sculpture Edition: 2/9 (left piece); 1/9 (right piece)

64 × 51 × 65 cm. × 2 25 1/4 × 20 1/8 × 25 5/8 in. × 2

Signed in Chinese, numbered and dated on the left of the head on the left piece and on the right of the head on the right piece
PROVENANCE
InSian Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present Asian private collector from the above
Each work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by InSian Gallery, Taipei

Hung Yi's Vibrant Yuan Zai
Evoking the Imagination of Grace and Goodness

Chinese Contemporary artist Hung Yi is known for his vivid, colourful and exuberant sculptural works. His signature of bold kaleidoscope colours is splashed across many animalistic sculptural bodies, and emphasizes spirituality in every living being. Over 20 years of artistic practice, Hung has gained inspiration from everyday culture, and developed as an acclaimed artist. He was invited to exhibit his works at several important institutions, such as Mori Art Museum, Japan, Cornell Art Museum, and Hermitage Museum.

As a celebrated artist, Hung identifies as more of an aesthetic creator, in which he constructs emotive creations and products, rather than a societal perspective of a traditional sculptural artist. In simplistic animalistic form, each patterned sculpture highlights the essence of simplicity and purity. The artist firmly believes these concepts are the foundation of humanity. Yuan Zai, a robust panda sculpture is an excellent example of his exceptional oeuvre. The panda sculpture has referenced many realistic forms of an actual panda, and mimics its eyes, ears, limbs and overall gestures with its dash of black to replicate a panda's fur. Meanwhile, repeated gold-like striations and decorative patterns are circulated on the panda's limbs and eyes, echoing historical forms of bronze tableware and sculptural items. Following, lotus patterns filled the body of the sculpture, and certainly recalls the traditional connotation of forever, a repeated blessing. Amongst the lotuses are the imagery of butterflies, hearts and cartoon-like sunflowers. These positive connotated imageries all infers the concept of hope, freedom, love and innocence. In circulated motion, the patterns and imagery are linked in layers, to which express the notion of passed down traditions, travelling from past to present, and captures intricate culture, art, and spirit amongst the community.

The two versions of Yuan Zai can be perceived as individual sculptures, but also two in dialogue. In a slightly different composition, both version transcend the cuteness and beauty of panda, and remind viewers of the historic and important discovery of the majestic creature in China. Panda has since been an endearing and beloved representational figure of China, and undoubtedly became an epitome of innocence and purity in our hearts.

Price estimate:
HKD: 160,000 - 250,000
USD: 20,400 - 31,800

Auction Result:
HKD: --