Acrylic on xuan paper mounted on canvas

60 x 150 cm. 23 5/8 x 59 in.

Signed in Chinese on lower left
Exhibited：Wu Changshuo Memorial Hall,Shanghai,China,Fissuring,Mansion,Garden,Recent Works by Qiu Deshu,15 - 30 October 2010

Qiu Deshu
Qiu Deshu studied traditional ink painting and mounting from Shanghai School master Wang Yiting. While he has used ink and xuan paper for quite long time,Qiu constantly strives to transform the traditional art in contemporary setting. In 1979,he co-founded “Grass Painting Society” and experimented with ink painting. The compositions of his works during this period showed influence from western contemporary concepts,but the imageries stem from traditional Chinese resources.
In 1982,inspired by the cracks in rocks,he created the avant-garte “Fissuring” series by incorporating traditional Chinese painting and contemporary ink painting experiments,thus developing his distinctive style in contemporary art. In the next 20 years,he deepened his skills and explored the ‘Fissuring’ theme. He is described as one of the most representatives of Chinese contemporary ink painters that is worthy of study. Qiu’s "Fissuring" paintings are a combination of painting,tearing,rubbing and collage techniques on xuan paper,with an emphasis on the overall form. The characteristics of xuan paper are highlighted with the aid of canvas,achieving innovative and amazing visual effect.
The work being presented this time,Fissuring - Auspicious Clouds and Clear Spring is created in 2010. Qiu used orange red and stone green as main color tone,adding in yellow and blue to create a colourful scene. Then,with the careful application of fissuring effects by making use of the characteristic of the white xuan paper,the artist produced natural,free-flowing lines that became the magnificent mountains and waters. Then he rubbed and tore parts of the xuan paper,creating delicate textures that resemble the mountains. The semi-translucent effect created with xuan paper precisely illustrates the layers of mountains. Also,Qiu has maintained the balance between the vertical lines of the mountains and misty clouds and waterfalls.
The cloud pattern is a favorite emblem of the Han Chinese,and is often accompanied by heavenly mountains and sea waves to symbolize promotion and good luck. In this painting,Qiu has applied the pattern,which flows from upper left to lower right like a silver waterfall,and meets with the mountains near the middle of the painting. Qiu creates a contrast between the tranquility of the mountains and the motion of the clouds,fogs and waters,guiding the viewers’ gaze to move horizontally,at the same time softening the sharpness of the mountains with the curvy lines. While looking at Fissuring - Auspicious Clouds and Clear Spring,the viewers take in both the magnificent scenery and the auspicious sign.
Qiu has used his Fissuring series to present the new era that witness China’s breakthrough of ideas and innovation. His avant-garde works indicate signs of the era as well as the power of life. Apart from presenting amazing effect on the works,his “fissuring” also reflects his concerns over the era that we are now in. According to him,“we are all living in fissuring. Throughout a person’s life,they keep fissuring. It is the power of the nature. The world and the environment haven’t stopped fissuring. Emotionally and socially,as well as throughout the course of historic or cosmic development and even within a human cell,there are fissuring. It’s everywhere.” This piece of works was particularly created for the Qiu Deshu Exhibition at Shanghai Wu Chang Shuo Museum,Shanghai,China in 2010. Along with the exhibition is an academic seminar,which showcases how much the artist value this work.

Price estimate:
HKD：350,000 - 550,000
USD：45,200 - 71,000

Auction Result:
HKD:566,400