Acrylic on canvas

50.5×50.5 cm.×4 19 7/8×19 7/8 in. ×4

Signed in English and dated on bottom right
EXHIBITED
3-31 Jul 2021, Shapes of Self-Reflection, Eslite Gallery, Taipei

PROVENANCE
Eslite Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the above

The work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by Taipei Eslite Gallery signed by the artist

Nini, Our Sanctuary in Life
Consistent True Affection by Huang Benrei

"She speaks for me, leading me further on my path."
— Huang Benrei

Born in Taiwan in 1959, Huang Benrei graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at the National Taiwan Normal University. In 1986, she pursued further studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, embarking on a career in children's book illustration that spanned two decades in the United States. In 2008, inspired by her mother, whose surname was "Ni" and symbolized by the rabbit, she ingeniously fused these elements to create "Nini" — a tender yet resilient character that returned her to painting from children's book illustration. Nini became her spokesperson, reflecting Huang's inner emotions and thoughts. Her artistic talent garnered acclaim, with exhibitions held at galleries like Gallery 456 in New York and Eslite Gallery in Taipei. In 2021, her first post-pandemic solo exhibition, Shapes of Self-Reflection opened to great acclaim in Taipei, with works like My Safe Haven highlighting her artistic prowess.

Gentle Amidst Turbulence

This piece was created during the peak of the pandemic in New York City. Huang metaphorically uses "safe haven" to signify inclusiveness, hope, and the desire for the pandemic to dissipate. Departing from previous static portraits of Nini, the painting is divided into four quadrants of yellow, green, blue, and red, offering a narrative across time and perspectives. Here, Nini is portrayed in various poses reminiscent of a baby, curling up. Huang magnifies the rabbit's ears and arms to symbolize the sanctuary, akin to a mother's protection over her child, providing warmth and beauty amidst unrest. In the upper part, Nini is cautious and alert, reflecting the confusion of everyone confined at home during the pandemic. In contrast, the lower part shows Nini peacefully curling up in the sanctuary, depicting a vivid emotional contrast and narrative richness. The artwork captures Nini's various expressions, inviting viewers into an eternal sanctuary with its delicate narrative and soft colours, offering solace to the soul.

Price estimate:
HKD 140,000 – 180,000
USD 17,900 – 23,100

Auction Result:
HKD: -