Spray paint on fiberglass sculpture Edition: 9/25

65.5 × 28 × 35 cm. 25 3/4 × 11 × 13 3/4 in.

Signed in Chinese, dated and numbered on the underside

LITERATURE (different edition)
2017, Benrei Huang, China National Photographic Art Publishing, Beijing, p.68 & 101
PROVENANCE
Eslite Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

Note: This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Taipei Eslite Gallery signed by the artist

Bitter, Spicy, Sour, Sweet – All within the Gaze of Your Eyes
Nini's Waiting

Huang Benrei was born in Taiwan and graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at National Taiwan Normal University. Since 1986, she has lived in the United States and studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she received a master's degree. After working in illustration for twenty years, she shifted her focus to more pure artistic creation and, in 2009, created the creative character of the rabbit named Nini, as her mother belongs to the Rabbit zodiac sign and her family name is "Ni." Huang Benrei continues her mother's resilient and gentle qualities through the creation of Nini.

Nini's gentle and docile appearance often captures people's hearts at first glance, making them fond of this cute, naughty little creature. Her works have gained admiration from numerous collectors both domestically and internationally. In this exhibition, we present her classic painting Ancestors - 2 (Lot 3) and sculpture Nini (Lot 2).

Nini's Bar Mitzvah

In Ancestors - 2, Nini, in contrast to her cute, soft image, takes on the appearance of an aristocratic woman: under a wide orange hat, revealing long, delicate curls, she wears a long, velvety red dress and holds her hands together in front of her body, like a demure lady preparing for a ball or a "bar mitzvah" in the nineteenth-century high society. The bow on the back of the dress is a playful touch. Nini does not look directly at the viewer but looks behind her, examining her surroundings maturely and gently.

Ancestors - 2 was created in 2019, 10 years after the creation of Nini. She has evolved from an initially simple and pure image to the present, accompanying the audience to experience life's bitterness, spiciness, sourness, and sweetness. She has grown into a more mature presence, incorporating a hint of classical charm.

Communicate and Empathize with Nini

Influenced by her sculptor husband, Huang Benrei began to use sculpture as a medium in 2014, allowing Nini to step out of the painting and become a three-dimensional master integrated into life. She stands or sits peacefully on a bench, quietly listening to our hearts like an observer of life. The sculpture Nini has a simple shape and pure temperament; her calm eyes seem to read people's minds, attracting people to get close and confide their secrets.

Everyone can see themselves in Nini. She can always bring people a wonderful resonance and calmness. She accompanies and talks with us on the road of life, conveying firm belief, but the softness of her heart has never changed.

Price estimate:
HKD: 30,000 – 50,000
USD: 3,800 - 6,400

Auction Result:
HKD: 74,400