Mixed media on wood board

60 × 180 cm. 23 5/8 × 70 7/8 in.

Signed in Chinese and pinyin and dated on lower centre

LITERATURE
2006, Huang Gang: New Tibetan Art, Modern Art Gallery, Taichung, p.10
EXHIBITED
21 Oct – 30 Nov 2006, New Tibetan Art –Solo Exhibition by Gang Huang, Modern Art Gallery, Taichung

PROVENANCE
Modern Art Gallery, Taichung
Acquired directly by original private Asian collector from the above
15 Jun 2008, Chiung Shiun Taichung Spring Auction, Lot 167
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Modern Art Gallery, Taichung

Note: Two labels of Modern Art Gallery, Taichung are affixed on the reverse

Universal Understanding on the Transcendence of Time
Huang Gang's Five-Star Proverb

Born in 1961, Huang Gang grew up in a scholarly household. With a father who was a professor of Chinese Art History and a mother who was an appraiser of cultural relics, Huang was frequently surrounded by traditional art since childhood. In his childhood years, Huang experienced the impact of The Cultural Revolution. Indeed, the major historical event transformed and excited Huang's modern thinking. In 1980, Huang attended the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, where he actively sought freedom of artistic expression. Upon graduation with honours, Huang was invited to teach at the Department of Fine Arts at Tsinghua University. Huang not only is an artist, but also identifies as an avid collector. His passion in traditional art inspired his collection of Buddhist sculpture plates, gilded Buddha hand figures, and exquisite leather goods. Such a diverse collection also inspired his own craftsmanship, which can be perceived as homage to traditional Chinese craftsmanship and its history. With a rich provenance, Huang aimed to engage and spread Eastern vocabulary and dialogue in the contemporary world where the West was seen as dominant. His goal to highlight and raise the characteristics of Chinese culture and delicacy is indeed admirable. His efforts are clearly shown, with exhibition provenance in Paris, Berlin, Taiwan and Hong Kong, all of which were highly praised and received.

The Orchestra of Memory and Faith

Three Red Stars is a stellar highlight in the upcoming auction. As part of Huang Gang's iconic Five-Star series, the trio-composition conveys three connecting stars, a rare work of Huang's documented in over 30 years of auction history. In a horizontal format, the background of black paint and boards extends from left to right, with a small section of red wood boards protruding above layers of black boards. In the center of each board section is a five-pointed star carved in the opposite colour of the background. They are arranged in a uniform manner that recalls the repetition and regularity of Andy Warhol's silkscreen printing. Viewing closely up the colour black reveals rows and rows of compact Tibetan scriptures inscribed in detail. Sculpted by Tibetan monks, they reflect a shine with a mysterious luster under the pigment, conveying a message of devotion and faith. On the surface of the work, a special pigment combining mineral pigments, acrylics and traditional Chinese lacquer is splashed onto the wood boards in a confident and unrestrained brushwork. Black and red contrasting colours are painted to form a nested arrangement of interior and exterior, which realizes the intimate concept of "you have me and I have you". Such collage layout and technique are more known to the West. With Huang's creative application and signature, this unique work emphasizes the representation and meaning behind the five stars. In a rich, deep red colour, the stars and brushwork convey an outward, extroverted style, with hints of subtlety that deliver a mysterious ambience around the work.

Price estimate:
HKD: 40,000 – 60,000
USD: 5,100 - 7,700

Auction Result:
HKD: 48,000