Acrylic on canvas

60 x 75 cm. 23 5/8 × 29 1/2 in.

Signed in Chinese and English, titled in English and dated on the reverse
PROVENACE
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the artist

Note: This work will be included in Jing Zhiyong 2023 Artwork Book prepared by the artist

Flowers Bloom Under a Skilled Brush, Chanting the Freedom of Solitude
Jing Zhiyong's Healing Planet

“The moment I decided to paint my inner world, my life had just begun.”
——Jing Zhiyong

As a sought-after young artist of the millennial generation, Jing Zhiyong has been publishing his works on social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok since 2018. His works not only sell out within seconds of being released, but also accumulate millions of fans, earning him the title of “Mysterious Influencer Painter” by the media. His days studying at the Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts have honed his solid painting skills. After graduating in 2007, he gradually explored his own unique visual language: using serene colour tones, minimalist compositions, and cinematic narrative plots, he abandons popular elements such as vibrant colours and cartoon images, instead depicting imaginary landscapes with a serious yet darkly humorous undertone. His works evoke associations with the solitary figures in the paintings of American artist Edward Hopper, as well as the surreal absurdity seen in the works of René Magritte, making them highly sought after by collectors. Throughout his creative journey, he has been inspired by the American film A Ghost Story to cover his body with white cloth, only revealing his eyes. He conveys a sense of alienation and indifference in this world as an observer, but also serves as an artistic presence. In this auction, we present two representative classic works by Jing Zhiyong.

Sailing on the Sea, the Silhouette of Farewell

The Rainy Season (Lot 2) is based on the artist's classic theme of “boat and sea”: under the azure sky, a white fishing boat sails on the sea. The figure of the driver can be vaguely seen through the windows of the cabin. At the stern rail, there hangs a red flag, embellished with yellow and pink life-saving devices, bringing a finishing touch to the predominantly white and blue composition. The protagonist in a white robe stands on the deck at the stern with a friend, looking back towards the coastline that they are leaving behind. If observed closely, one can notice a white building hidden in the jungle on the shore. The building is composed of a towering dome and rectangular floors, representing a typical mosque in the Islamic world. Since 2020, it has continually appeared in the artist's creations, symbolizing the belief power that governs society and public opinion through religion. The main character, gradually distancing himself from this building, is bidding farewell to the past centres of power and embarking on a journey to pursue freedom, opening a new chapter of life. This work embodies the artist's change in mindset and the pursuit of the true essence of life.

Beyond the Universe: Racing Towards the Beat of the Heart

Since 2019, Jing Zhiyong has started creating works with the theme of “space.” Drawing inspiration from the vast universe and intertwining it with familiar characters and elements of daily life, he vividly portrays a surreal realm that serves as a canvas for his profound observation. It quickly became one of his most popular themes. In his new work Lone Ranger (Lot 1) in 2023, the protagonist, dressed in a white robe, sits in an old black antique car. With sunglasses perched upon their head, they traverse the uncharted planets of the outer space, confidently steering their course. Behind him is the vast and boundless universe, with the large Earth and neighbouring planets illuminating the lonely night sky. The protagonist, seemingly escaping the worldly tumult, races toward their heart's desires, resonating deeply with the audience.

Price estimate:
HKD 50,000 – 80,000
USD 6,400 – 10,300