Oil on canvas

120×160 cm. 47 1/4×63 in.

Signed in pinyin and dated on bottom left
PROVENANCE
Platform China Contemporary Art Institute, Beijing
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

A Witty Challenge to Tradition and Knowledge System
Qin Qi's Early Masterpiece

Born in 1975, Qin Qi grew up during the transformative period of contemporary Chinese art in the 1990s, a time marked by rapid social and economic change. As traditional realism in painting began to evolve into more diverse styles, Qin Qi, after graduating from the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in 2002, faced a new set of challenges. He embraced a surreal approach, purposefully resisting clear definitions for his work. This distinctive and symbolically rich style has established him as a prominent figure in contemporary Chinese art, with his works featured in collections at prestigious institutions such as Hong Kong's M+ Museum, Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum, and the Long Museum.

From his Chairs series in 2005 to the Books series in 2009 and the White Goose series after 2010, Qin Qi has mastered the still life genre. However, he breaks from tradition by placing seemingly unrelated and sometimes striking elements side by side, infusing his work with a touch of surrealism. This deliberate randomness challenges traditional ideas of logic and order, offering a subtle and humourous critique of conventional perspectives.

Exploring the Depths of History

Books and Belt is a standout piece from Qin Qi's Books series. It is the only work merges the symbolic elements of "books" and "belt." both in the centre. Traditionally, books have been revered as symbols of knowledge and the foundation of intellectual society. In this painting, Qin Qi amplifies the texture of his brushstrokes, applying thick layers of paint to depict a stack of books set against a backdrop of bold, intersecting blue strokes. The spines, featuring slightly blurred titles, bear the names of renowned art masters like Paul Cézanne, Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, and Edward Hopper. However, Qin Qi intentionally distorts the spelling of these names, creating a playful illusion that questions the conventional authority of art history by blurring the lines between "correct" and "incorrect."

The "belt" element first appeared in Qin Qi's 2007 painting Belt and Turtle, where the belt, resembling a snake, scares the turtle. In Books and Belt, a black-and-white belt stretches out in front of a stack of books, evoking the image of a measuring tape. While it may seem harmless, the belt, with its connotations of restraint and discipline, hints at an underlying threat, like the fangs of a snake. Here, the belt symbolises control, while the books represent the sanctity of knowledge, creating a subtle tension. Qin Qi seems to be quietly challenging the authority of knowledge, masters, and classical traditions.

By placing familiar objects in unexpected contexts and adding his unique touch, Qin Qi reshapes the narrative of imagery. Through this, he presents a bold challenge to tradition, expressing the vibrant and passionate spirit of his time.

Price estimate:
HKD 280,000 – 480,000
USD 35,900 – 61,500

Auction Result:
HKD: 336,000