Acrylic on canvas

112.3 × 162 cm. 44 1/4 × 63 3/4 in.

Signed and titled in English, dated and located on the reverse

LITERATURE
2012, Grand Opening – Chihung Yang Solo Exhibition invitation card, Asia Art Center, Taipei
2014, Yang Chihung 1967-2014 50 Years of Painting, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 281
2018, Yang Chihung: The Sensibilities of Black and White – the Stream of Consciousness Series, Asia Art Center, Taipei, p. 28
EXHIBITED
3 Nov – 9 Dec 2012, Grand Opening – Chihung Yang Solo Exhibition, Asia Art Center, Taipei

PROVENANCE
Asia Art Centre, Taipei
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Asia Art Center, Taipei

Creation in an Instant, Brilliant Splendor
Yang Chihung's Landscape of the Mind

Yang Chihung was born in Taiwan, has lived in New York for 40 years, and is a leading figure in the field of contemporary Chinese abstract expressionism. In 1984, he was the first Chinese artist to receive a scholarship from MOMAP.S.1. Artistically, Yang embraces the integration of Eastern and Western abstract aesthetics as a guiding principle and undertook six distinctive changes in style before the Eastern Poetics period in 2011, which is widely considered to be his creative peak. The work Affluence, which was completed in 2012, represents one of the artist's earliest works in this period and was shown at his solo exhibition Grand Opening. It was even used to decorate the exhibition invitation card.

Thick black ink serves as the guiding force of the painting, with the grace and charm of feibai calligraphic brushwork creating a meandering mellow and rich texture as heavily colored areas like mountains and rivers reach into the distance interspersed with lighter areas of grace and elegance like highly changeable clouds. The red-orange base color is akin to a hidden treasure which at the moment of revelation emits a dazzling bright light that cuts through the blackness and highlights the rich interplay of brilliance and life. Yang Chihung uses exquisite composition and color contrast to deconstruct the meaning of the title Affluence and showcase the life context of gradually accumulated self realization. He hides twinkling-of-an-eye changes in light and shade within bold and vigorous ink lines, crafting an amazing visual sensation constructed from the natural grace of ink, thickness of the oil colors, strength of the lines, and fineness of the light and colors. Integral to this feeling is the sense of speed and force of impact that are like images of the heart playing music. Within this richly layered space, Yang shares a magnificent view of his inner world, enabling viewers, after initial surprise, to spiritually connect with the boundless life energy of the painting.

Price estimate:
HKD: 360,000 – 560,000
USD: 46,400 – 72,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 684,400