Mixed media on canvas

150 × 150 cm. 59 × 59 in.

Signed, titled and dated in English on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Amanda Wei Gallery, Hong Kong
Private Collection, Asia

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Amanda Wei Gallery, Hong Kong signed by the artist

Romance of the East and West
The Snow and Moon in the World of Little Chickens

Ceet Fouad was born in 1971 in Algeria, and moved to France at the age of 7. Since the late 80s, he has been creating graffiti art on the streets of Paris. In 2003, he came to Shenzhen, where he began to create a series of work titled ‘Little Chicken'. Fouad's chickens have big chubby bodies, with round eyes and vibrant colors. According to the artist, his chickens are a humorous way of reflecting the people living in contemporary society. In this crowded world, everyone follows the status quo. Fouad hopes that through these colorful chickens, he will rouse people's desires to pursue their individuality and self. Fouad's works have been exhibited in 11 countries, and he has been repeatedly invited by the French Consulate to participate as the French representative in annual art exhibitions. This time, his painting White Snow (Lot 146) and sculpture Asses (Lot 147) have been chosen to highlight his diverse charms and subjects through different mediums.

The Moon and Sixpence

In the sculpture Asses, 11 little chickens are crowded onto a black slab. Whilst most of the chickens have their head bowed deep in thought or in search of something, the middle chicken has its head raised high above the crowd. Not only does this chicken symbolize bravery and hope, it also reflects the difference between the consciousness of the group and that of the individual. This imagery is reminiscent of the famous British author William Maugham's novel The Moon and Sixpence, which refers to when people are busily looking for a lost sixpence on the ground, they ignore the moon in the sky, which radiates beautiful moonlight. Fouad's intention is to remind people not to chase after fame and fortune and, in doing so, lose out on the little beautiful things in life.

The Warmth in the Snow

In his painting White Snow, Fouad depicts scattered pink and white snowflakes through the use of graffiti spray painting. In addition to the title reference, the spray painting adds depth to the piece, creating distinct layers. The subject of the painting is the group of little chickens huddled together, as if sharing warmth in a cold winter storm. Their bright bodies become the scenery in the eyes of others, adding a sense of winter romance to the whole painting. It is worth noting that the artist stepped away from his usual vibrant and colorful background, in favor of a pure white background to create the environment of snow in winter. Not only did he managed to capture the beautiful essence of traditional Chinese drawing in the painting, but he also reflected the liveliness of the little chickens through their behavior. By featuring sunflowers, which only bloom in the summer, in the winter-scape, the piece becomes a symbol of vitality.

Price estimate:
HKD: 90,000 - 120,000
USD: 11,600 - 15,400

Auction Result:
HKD: 110,400