Oil on canvas

45.5 × 53 cm. 17 7/8 x 20 7/8 in.

Signed in Chinese and English on bottom right
PROVENANCE
Original Collection of Chen Cheng-Chin, Taiwan
Previous Collection of Chang Yin-Fu, Taiwan
26 Nov 2006, Christie's Hong Kong Auction, Lot 173
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

Splendid Painting Across The Ages
Liao Chi-Chun's Venerable Artistic Spirit

“His art has never faded away through time. On the contrary, the purity, sincerity and brilliance of his artworks shine brightly throughout the test of time.”
——Li Mei-shu, a friend of Liao Chi-Chun

At the beginning of the 20th century, studying abroad in Japan prevailed in China. As a student who enrolled in the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1924, Liao Chi-Chun owned the most outstanding concept of modern art and did the most profound contributions among the Taiwan painters who studied in Japan. After his return to Taiwan in 1927, his artworks received 1st prize for Taiwan Art Exhibition and was selected to attend the Imperial Art Exhibition in Japan the next year. By the meantime, he was playing a leading role in developing Taiwan's art industry. He helped to establish many art societies such as Tai-Yang Art Society. Being a teacher for more than 50 years, many talented artists were once his students. The Fifth Moon Group was set up by the students in Taiwan Provincial Normal College under his encouragement, which is evidence of his influence.

The advanced concept of modern painting of Liao was reflected in his creation. During his study in Japan, he got in touch with western art concepts such as impressionism and fauvism, and then he absorbed them into his own style. His witness of abstract expressionism during his visit in the U.S. in 1962 urged the transformation of his artistic style to tend to abstraction. On the next year, his travel to Europe broadened his horizon and accumulated rich material for his creation.

The artwork in this auction, Notre Dame created in 1960s, was drawn from the impression of his travel to Paris, which was the only work in this topic that can be traced. The transform of style can be seen from this work, marking an essential turning point in his creation. The style of Realism is still remained in this work, with strong short lines supporting the shape of Notre Dame's building and rich dynamic in the stability of crossing lines. The overall atmosphere is rather peaceful in terms of its colour tone, while a sense of joyful expression released by the green, jasper, ochre and red added between the black lines and white planes. Furthermore, Liao broke through Realism using the unrealistic proportion of people and cars. On the right side, the tall trees demonstrate further discovery of abstract forms. Lumps of colours were neatly arranged into distinct layers by leaping brushes, depicting the romance of Paris in the season of falling leaves. The work emphasizes the concept of “Giving the audience a sense of beauty regardless of visible or invisible shapes”. The painting combines traditional realism and modern art thus illustrates the unique style created by Liao.

Price estimate:
HKD: 800,000 – 1,200,000
USD: 103,200 – 155,000

Auction Result:
HKD: 944,000