Oil on canvas

250 × 200 cm. 98 3/8 × 78 3/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated on the reverse

LITERATURE
2015, Zhao Zhao: Constellations, Chambers Fine Art, Beijing, p.51
EXHIBITED
15 May – 22 Aug 2015, Zhao Zhao: Constellations II, Chambers Fine Art, New York

PROVENANCE
Chambers Fine Art, New York
Important Private Collection, Asia

Note: A label of New York Chambers Fine Art is affixed on the reverse

Twirling Stars to the Infinite Universe
Dazzling Stary Night of Zhao Zhao

“Painting sparks an everlasting moment.”
——Zhao Zhao

Known for his delicate but fragile Constellations series, Chinese Contemporary artist Zhao Zhao has long developed a heightened sense of attention, observance and patience in his artistic journey. His unique choice of glass depiction and movement was derived from a traumatic car accident in 2007. At the time of the traumatic event, Zhao's head involuntarily hit against the stiff dashboard. Such change in weight and momentum left a series of glass fragments. Despite the instant pain, violence and suffering to Zhao's head, he overcame physical and mental hardship, and saw it as a moment of inspiration. The artist's approach can also be compared to German artist Gustav Metzger's subversive practice of sulphuric acid on canvas, as well as Lucio Fontana's practice of cutting the canvas with a knife. For Zhao, his experimentation with gunshot and glass since 2013 resulted in 30 rectangular glass panels. The unplanned and repeated testing shows cracks formed by bullets on glass and of different materials without breaking. After many attempts, Zhao found his narrative and signature in his Constellation series. In 2014, the artist expanded his palette and visual language by adding oil paint across the surface. As Zhang hits the surface with sharp and powerful force, energy spreads across, to which microscopic material and paint is then lodged into layers of the canvas. While canvas cannot be compared to the solidity of glass, the friction and tenacity of the fabric conveys Zhao's strenuous curiosity as an artist.

The Stars Danced Lyrically on the Canvas, Leaping Across Dots and Lines

Born and raised in Xinjiang, China, Zhao has the fortune to gaze upon the night sky and stars. Such majestic scenery can be compared to Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night, a moment of romanticism painted by the universe. In Constellations No. 10, this second encounter at auction allows a deeper and philosophical reading into his majestic painting. In a dark black canvas, delicate lines is crafted to resemble elements of the universe and stars. Zhao started with the point of origin ‘exploration', or ‘holes', and carefully stretched it across using minute dots and lines. In a circular motion, each hole or explosion has its own position, rotation and gravity on the canvas. Painted in blue, the contrast in colour creates a highlighted effect, a synergy amongst the black. In the centre, a cluster of holes form a larger point of origin, to which activates the rest of the explosions. Reading from right to left, the formation would likely suggest a rippling effect caused by motion and disruption. In a nebula-like imagery, Zhao's brushstrokes in plain blue and titanium white, are softly blurred. Using extremely fine and broken strokes, the painting presents traces similar to ice cracks. Further relationships are formed between a line and another, drawing viewers into an endless imagination of the universe and space-time.

The Ever-changing Power of Life

In Zhao Zhao's oeuvre, he is able to find his own self in his paintings. Through expressive brushworks and narrative, he challenges how society thinks of strength and weaknesses. He paints in colours that emulate the universe and the milky-way, to which breaks and rebuilds on its own. Across his universe, the cold and poetic coexist, and the violent lines speak of alienation and uneasiness. Meanwhile, natural beauty and cycle of nature and trees circulate, signaling the new hope that extends infinitely from the imagination. When we focus on Zhao's starry sky, the rings in the paintings echo the recurrent phases of life. Each brushwork encapsulates thousands of delicate brushstrokes, and presents endless transient changes. Each impact, burst, fusion and regeneration of the cosmic stars happens by default, and life is born within it. As each star goes through its journey of life, each demonstrates an unyielding strength and spiritual power!

Price estimate:
HKD: 500,000 - 800,000
USD: 63,700 - 101,900

Auction Result:
HKD: 960,000