Ink and colour on paper

136 × 69 cm. 53 3/4 × 27 1/8 in.

Dated and signed in Chinese with an artist's seal on upper left; signed in English and dated with artist's seals on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Original collection of the artist
Private Collection, U.S.A
Acquired direclty by present important private Asian collector from the above in 1997

Memories of Each Other Forgotten Once Parted, Wandering in Fantasy

“Abstract and illusory art will prevail…I believe that excellent art is, whichever school of painting it belongs, full of illusions, stimulating imagination in people.”

――Luis Chan

Luis Chan was born in Panama and his family was originated from Panyu, Guangdong. In 1910, he settled in Hong Kong with his family. When he was younger, Chan studied courses offered at the British Academy of Art through self-study, which allowed him to lay a solid foundation in painting and sculpture for his art career. His extraordinary talent and diligence was manifested in his course of self-studies. Chan created many works in his career which encompassed different forms and styles. He was able to capture the cultural developments of Hong Kong, especially Hong Kong's development into a financial hub for both domestic and foreign countries. He could be regarded as an important figure in the development of local art.

Depart from Mainstream, Delve into Fantasy

Chan's work embodies the words of The Bitter Gourd Monk Shitao. Shitao states: “An enlightened man may appear to dismiss formalities, but he does not indicate that no formality was present; in fact, the lack of formality was the present formality of the enlightened man”. Chan is famous for his landscape painting, but throughout his career, he attempted to excel in other genres such as Impressionism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, and surreal ink painting. He mastered all of these forms. Completed in 1978, Marine Wonderland belongs to his classic Fish Series. The upper and lower parts of the screen are painted with light yellow to depict the reefs and habitats. A small patch of lavender colour is included to emphasize the depths and layers of the space. In the middle of the frame, the clear blue and turquoise colours depict tranquillity under the slow currents of the sea. There are around a dozen tropical fish of different sizes, colours, and patterns swimming freely with carefree expressions on their faces, fascinating their onlookers.

The work is not only a representation of Chan's 60-year living experience in Hong Kong, it is also a record of his observations of the rapid developments of the city. Chan was committed to the exploration of new art forms. He was devoted to the improvement and has persistently followed the saying, “depart from the mainstream, delve into fantasy”.

Price estimate:
HKD: 120,000 - 200,000
USD: 15,300 - 25,500

Auction Result:
HKD: 504,000