Acrylic on paper

65 × 50 cm. 26 x 19 5/8 in.

Signed and located in English， dated on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Received directly by previous owner from the artist as a gift
Previous Collection of Kawazoe Family
Private Collection, Japan

Taking Flight in the Wind
The Colorful World of Imai
Toshimitsu Imai was born in Osaka, Japan. He enrolled in the Tokyo State Art Academy in 1948, and after moving to Paris in 1952, by introduction of good friend and famous art critic Michel Tapié, the artist built relationships with Jean Dubuffet and Jean Fautrier and joined the pioneering “Art Informel” movement. This movement, which turned out to be one of the most influential active art groups in Paris in the 1940s and 50s, was inspired by the abstract expressionism that was prevalent in Europe and America at the time and which placed an emphasis on improvisatory methodology and highly gestural technique in an effort to break the shackles of traditional creative expression.
Imai's creative method, therefore, involves spontaneously splattering paint directly onto the canvas, often exploring the deep meaning of human existence in his works, and his 1957 exhibition at Paris's Galerie Stadler established himself as a force on the international art scene. This auction features Imai's Floraison （1960） and Red and Yellow and Black （1981）, two outstanding works created during his brilliant career during this period.
Harnessing the Kinetic Energy of Life
Imai's Floraison exhibits abstract technique and is brimming with passion and the power of conflict. The orange and yellow splatters on the canvas extend out like rays of sunlight in every direction, resembling brilliant fireworks strewing across the night sky. Lines of varying colors converge at the top left of the canvas like the powerful resonance of a symphony orchestra. At the time Floraison was being created, Imai's works had already been featured at the Venice Biennale. Later in his career, Imai was honored with an award at the 5th Exhibition of Japanese Contemporary Art in Tokyo. All in all, this portion of his career was a wonderful stage in his life. Floraison was collected by the famous Kawazoe family, who established Japan's first Italian restaurant: Chianti, a popular hangout for famous Japanese celebrities and artists in the 1960s. As a frequent patron of the restaurant, Imai presented the family with Floraison as a gift to show his appreciation.
A New Exploration into Lines
Red and Yellow and Black （1981） puts on display Imai's use of simple colors and lines to convey energy. Lines of deep black, passionate red, and vibrant yellow are intertwined, dancing through the wind on the canvas, showing that by this point in his career, Imai had achieved his own unique artistic style and spirit through blending the art of both the East and West.

Price estimate:
HKD: 100,000 - 150,000
USD: 12,700 - 19,100

Auction Result:
HKD : 165,200