Oil on board

100 × 95.4 cm. 39 3/8 × 37 1/2 in.

LITERATURE
1987, Beyond the Open Door: Contemporary Paintings from the People's Republic of China, Pacific Asia Museum, Los Angeles, cover page and p.27
2013, 1985 Hangzhou and an Academy, China Academy of Art Publishing, Hangzhou, p.111
EXHIBITED
1987, Beyond the Open Door: Contemporary Paintings from the People's Republic of China, Pacific Asia Museum, Los Angeles

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, US
Private Collection, Asia

Spirit Of Righteousness, Figure Of Brilliance
Portrait of Pan Tianshou by Huang Fabang

Born in 1938 in Hubei Province, Huang Fabang graduated from the School of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, Zhejiang Academy of Art (now China Academy of Art) in 1966. During the Culture Revolution, he was regarded as the anti-rightist together with other masters of Chinese painting such as Pan Tianshou and Liu Wei. Facing the same tough situation together, they established deep relationships after being banished to countrysides and became neighbours. He learned painting techniques from Pan and Liu, his friends and mentors, which greatly influenced his later creation that employed plain and solemn qualities. In 1983, he received a call and came back to his old school as a professor of the Department of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy, China Academy of Art. Created in 1985, Portrait of Pan Tianshou was invited to attend the exhibition held at Pacific Asia Museum, Los Angeles: “Beyond the Open Door: Contemporary Paintings From the People's Republic of China”. This artwork was selected as the cover of the exhibition at the time, which indicated its' importance in Chinese contemporary art history.

Thousands Of Sails Vanish Behind, Master's Strength Stands Alone With Time

“The realm of art is close yet far. One might not even dream of it in spite of searching throughout his life.”
—— Pan Tianshou

Portrait of Pan Tianshou is carved on a wooden board. Red paint covers the background carefully and hollows out Pan's frequently-used signature seal. Standing right ahead of it is the main character in his robe. He has slicked-back hair, firmly closed lips and wears a pair of glasses. The bright yellow robe is like the spotlight, lightens the plane “stage”. Through the delicate composition of the artist, master Pan's virtuous character and serene expression are perfectly illustrated.

In The Age of Turbulence, He Guided the Way

The history of Chinese contemporary painting was at crossroads in 1985. Since then, artists abandoned traditional “red” politic themes and followed their hearts and beliefs to create personal artworks. Portrait of Pan Tianshou was completed under such circumstances, when Huang Fabang was looking back to the age of turbulence, when he lived near master Pan and acquired his unbending spirit.

Price estimate:
HKD: 250,000 – 350,000
USD: 32,200 – 45,100

Auction Result:
HKD: --