Oil on cnavas

50 × 40 cm. 19 3/4 × 15 3/4 in.

Signed in Chinese and dated on the reverse
PROVENANCE
Platform China Contempory Art Institute, Beijing
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

In the Grandeur of Simplicity
The Return of Qiu Ruixiang

Born in 1980 to a humble farming family in Shaanxi, Qiu Ruixiang graduated from the Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts in 2003 and embarked on a career as a full-time artist. Choosing to stay in Xi’an, he walked a solitary path, persisting in expressing himself through introspective and philosophical paintings. He manipulates and transforms different images and symbols, constructing a stage that carries a sense of mystery and symbolism, making him stand out in the contemporary art scene. The painting Vase, presented in this spring auction, is one of his early representative works featuring still life.

Four Years of Refining: Exploring Light

Like many other significant works by Qiu Ruixiang, Vase took four years to create. The artist went through continuous refinement and self-reconstruction, faithfully documenting his entire thought process. The central theme of the painting is a vase of flowers, with several roses slanting in a milky-white vase, complemented by emerald green leaves. The strong contrast of light and shadow creates an atmosphere that captures the passage of time. Deliberately abandoning complex backgrounds, he places the vase against a simple white wall and grey floor, eloquently expressing Qiu Ruixiang’s pure and introspective painting philosophy.

The Artist’s Mission: the Pursuit of Beauty

Upon closer inspection of Vase, one can see that the artist repeatedly uses a scraper to flatly apply paint on the blocks of colours depicting flowers and leaves. This creative technique and vocabulary evoke thoughts of Giorgio Morandi, who, through repeated depictions of bottles and shadows, attempted to create a simple yet refined aesthetic. Qiu Ruixiang intentionally ignores meticulous detailing, naturally and organically forming a sense of craftsmanship. Though the object’s contours may not be sharply defined, they exude vitality. Qiu Ruixiang interprets Vase in its most authentic and primitive form, refining his definition and expression of beauty through a restrained composition.

In a contemporary society that pursues efficiency, he fulfils his role as an artist through restrained and self-aware creations, steadfastly pursuing beauty from within. In the four years of creating Vase, he embarked on a journey from the depths of his soul, discovering treasures of emotions and boundless imagination.

Price estimate:
HKD: 60,000 - 80,000
USD: 7,700 - 10,200

Auction Result:
HKD: 240,000