Oil on canvas

99.5 × 100 cm. 39 1/8 x 39 3/8 in.

Signed and dated in Chinese on bottom left; titled and signed in Chinese, dated and located on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Asia

Among the Broadness, Seeking for the Realistic Aesthetics
Pan Shixun's Tibetan Journeys

Studied at the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) and trained by established artists such as Wu Zuoren and Ai Zhongxin, Pan Shixun graduated from the Department of Oil Painting at CAFA in 1960. Later Pan Shixun took up teaching in CAFA afterwards because of Wu Zuoren's endorement. In 1984, he went to École des Beaux-Arts for further study under the support of national Ministry of Culture of China. During that period, he took journeys to visit European countries, which prepared him for his later art style with the combination of both Chinese and European features. Since 1986 when he returned to China, he was invited to be the Director of Department of Oil Painting at CAFA, as the new leader of the important department. Pan Shixun has been to Tibet for a dozen of times since 1960. He is skilled in capturing the unique humanities and landscapes of the Tibetan area. He holds solo exhibitions and participates in important international exhibitions around the world. His works have been collected by the National Art Museum of China in Beijing. During his stay in Paris in the 1980s, he published a series of articles including The Techniques of Oil Paintings. Afterwards his works become more mature. Under Muztagata Peak is a representative masterpiece of his.

Pan Shixun has a deep affection for Tibetan area. He went there repeatedly in order to seize the most authentic local landscape. Under Muztagata Peak was created during his journey to Tibet in 1993. It depicts the awe-inspiring Muztagata covered by snow. The magnificent mountainous plateau landscape consists of the snow peaks in the distance and the smoky-pink and grey-brownish mountain ranges in the middle ground. In the foreground, the figure of a lithe lady on a horse is portrayed clearly. Holding her child on an arm, she grasps the halter on the other hand, looking forward firmly. Her green dress, orange headcloth and the pink cloth of her child stand out to grasp viewers' attention. With the contrast of the vast landscape, the splendid colors of their clothing look remarkable. It conveys an intense sense of the unique humanities in the area of snow mountains. The two camels carry her belongings, following them tamely. This is a realistic depiction of the view when the Tibetan relocate their dwellings. In terms of techniques, he mentioned that The first layer of oil paints should contain less oil than that of the top layer; otherwise the painting will look dim.” It is called “the oily one covers the less oily ones,” the technique of oil painting Pan Shixun emphasizes on. Employing this specific technique, the colors of oil painting will render fresh and sharp instead of being heavy. This technique helps bring out the genuine colors of the nature and the spirit of human and animals. Pan Shixun's Under Muztagata Peak not only is a realistic art creation but also achieves extraordinary artistic aesthetics. It therefore presents a long-lasting charm that viewers always enjoy.

Price estimate:
HKD: 80,000 – 120,000
USD: 10,300 – 15,500

Auction Result:
HKD: 94,400