Tea stain，ink，watercolour and collage on xuan paper mounted on linen

90 x 120 cm. 35 3/8 x 47 1/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated "2013" on lower right
Exhibited：Hive Contemporary Art Center,Beijing,China,Illusion / Image：Contemporary Chinese Ink Art Sereis I,22 June - 22 July 2013

Liang Quan
Liang Quan was one of the first generation of Chinese contemporary artists who studied in the US after Cultural Revolution. In 1981,he attended San Francisco Academy of Fine Arts to study printmaking. The overseas experience allowed him to reflect upon the characteristics of Chinese art under Western context,and encouraged him to explore the possibilities of Chinese Abstract Art. From 1985 to 2000 after he returned to China,he went through a “heavy colour period”. During this time,Liang created a collage of random heterogeneous objects,such as prints or rubbings with cultural meaning. He wanted to exhibit his reflection towards the phenomenal world about family,society,nation,history and tradition. After 2000,Liang refined his artistic language by integrating tea,coffee or even Chinese medicines into the ink to make drips and traces on the paper. By leaving different variations of ink and pigments on the paper,Liang invented a delicate abstract vision.
Days of Tea Drinking 130731,a horizontal collage work with torn paper strips pasted in an organized row in order to create a sense of space for the viewers. The edges of the fine Chinese paper（xuan zhi）are dyed unevenly,and multiple layers of strips are carefully patched to honour Liang’s craftsmanship. The colour variations on the paper strips resemble the different color gradations when consuming a cup of tea. Looking at the painting as a whole,the edges of the paper strips look like thin lines. The paper strips of different geometric form and colours are transformed into an abstract rendition. Liang once mentioned,“My inspiration came from the washboard in my grandmother’s house,its shape reminded me of Chinese painting. The traces of lines left from washing clothes resembled drawings on the board,which is how it inspired me to use torn paper strips for the collage.” He subtly included his philosophical views and life aesthetics into his work. Thus,he began to explore the most fundamental philosophy behind Eastern Art—“Blankness”.
Liang once expressed his appreciation towards Classical Chinese artist Ni Zan. He praised the concept of nihilism—the idea that things disappear into nonexistence is the ultimate reality. He described,“How adrift I felt,like the sand-gulls in the wild”. Although his works seemed to be pure abstraction,he was profoundly influenced by the notion of “reserving blank” adopted from Chinese landscape paintings. Liang’s works possess a spiritual tranquility that made his Zen series a meaningful work.

Price estimate:
HKD：100,000 - 150,000
USD：12,900 - 19,400

Auction Result:
HKD:153,400