Acrylic on canvas

65×60 cm. 25 5/8×23 5/8 in.

Signed in pinyin and dated on bottom right; titled in English, signed in Chinese and pinyin, dated on the reverse

LITERATURE
2022, Jing Zhiyong, Jing Zhiyong, Beijing, p.126
PROVENANCE
Acquired directly by present private Asian collector from the artist

In the Endless Night, the Journey Leads Us Homeward
Jing Zhiyong's Surrealist Presentation

As an artist born in the 1980s, Jing Zhiyong graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Tianjin Academy of Fine Arts. Initially recognized for his cartoon-style graffiti, he spent years refining his artistic voice. Jing has developed a distinct painting language characterized by a composed brushwork, dark humor, sharp observation, and cinematic plots, creating profound emotional tension that resonates with collectors worldwide. His works often explore themes of religion, humanity, and cosmology, presenting tranquil and fantastical imaginations, and often evoking the serene and beautiful scenes depicted by American artist Edward Hopper. Jing Zhiyong's works often sell out immediately upon release, making them highly sought after. This presentation features the artist's large-scale oil painting I am Home (Lot 25) and the iconic piece Blue Frost (Lot 26) .

Beyond a Thousand Journeys, the Longing for Home.

"The moment I decided to paint my inner world, my life had just begun."
―― Jing Zhiyong

Jing Zhiyong is proficient at creating cinematic scenes woven with meticulous narratives, particularly in his Outer Space series, which has captivated collectors. I Am Home is a quintessential piece from this series, employing a vertical composition that captures the sea level, people and boats, and the distant Earth. At the center, a sailor aboard a moving fishing boat gazes towards "Earth," symbolizing home, as he searches for hope and direction in the dark night. His tiny figure starkly contrasts with the vast moon above. Undeterred, he presses onward. Remarkably, the fishing boat, without sails, still advances, bearing the protagonist on his journey home. This depiction highlights humanity's bravery in facing the unknown and the yearning to return home.

Snowy Farewell

Blue Frost is rendered on artist's signature and commonly used wooden panels, capturing an endless snowy night that vividly brings the winter chill to life. Serene mountains in the distance contribute to the overall tranquility. In this quiet scene, a couple shares a farewell embrace. The woman is dressed in a white gown and high heels, while the man, clad in a black coat, turns his back to the viewer. To the left, a car with its headlights illuminated waits for one of them, adding a sense of motion and temporal progression. Jing skillfully captures the bittersweet moment of the lovers' parting with crisp and refreshing strokes.

Price estimate:
HKD 35,000 – 50,000
USD 4,500 – 6,400

Auction Result:
HKD: 98,400