Woodblock print Edition: 30/50

100×94.5 cm. 39 3/8×37 1/4 in.

Titled in English on bottom left; numbered on lower centre; signed in English and dated on bottom right

LITERATURE (different sized edition)
1990, Art is Legendary - The Second Taichung Artists Relay Exhibition – Chen Ting-Shih, Taichung County Cultural Center, Taichung, p. 11
1992, Chen Ting-Shih Solo Exhibition – Echo of a Poet, Lion Art Publisher, Taipei
1993, Chen Ting-Shih 80 Years Old Retrospective Exhibition, Taiwan Museum of Fine Art, Taichung, p. 81
2002, Sound of Rarity: Chen Ting-Shih, Taipei Fine Art Museum, p. 238, plate 228
2008, Day and Night: The Vision in Chen Ting-Shih's Print World, Providence University Art Center, p.68-69
EXHIBITED (different sized edition)
1 - 10 Jun 1990, Art is Legendary - The Second Taichung Artists Relay Exhibition – Chen Ting-Shih, Taichung County Cultural Center, Taichung
12-27 Sep 1992, Echo of a Poet - Chen Ting-Shih Solo Exhibition, Hsiung Hsih Gallery, Taipei
25 Dec 1993 - 13 Mar 1994, Chen Ting-Shih 80 Years Old Retrospective Exhibition, Taiwan Museum of Fine Art, Taichung
28 Sep – 15 Dec 2002, Chen Ting-Shih (1915-2002): Sound of Rarity, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei
4-30 Dec 2008， Day and Night-Chen Ting-Shih's Print World, Providence University Art Center, Taichung

PROVENANCE
Private Collection, Asia

A Fusion of Ancient and Modern
Chen Ting-Shih's Reflection on the Cosmos

"Chen Ting-Shih was the first among Taiwanese modern printmakers to blend Eastern spirit with contemporary forms."
—Art Critic Chu Ko

Chen Ting-Shih stands as a remarkable figure in modern art history and is one of the first-generation artists who migrated to Taiwan from China after World War II. Born in 1913 in a scholarly family in Fujian, Chen lost his hearing in an accident at a young age, which affected his ability to speak. However, he was deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture, developing a profound understanding of calligraphy, ink painting, and seal carving. At 17, inspired by Xu Beihong, he began exploring Western painting and committed himself to an artistic career. After relocating to Taiwan in 1945, Chen became a key figure in promoting modern art movements. His primary mediums were printmaking and sculpture, and in 1958, he played a pivotal role in founding important art groups such as the Modern Printmaking Association and the Fifth Moon Group. Chen's work is characterised by his deep exploration of societal issues, historical culture, life, and the universe, blending the fluid, powerful lines of Eastern calligraphy with the bold colours and compositions of Western art, creating a unique style. His works are held in prestigious collections, including the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. In 1999, French author Jean-Louis Ferrier included only Chen Ting-Shih and I.M. Pei among Chinese artists in his monumental work Art of the 20th Century - the History of Art Year by Year from 1900 to 1999 underscoring Chen's significance in the art world.

The Rhythm of the Cosmos in Day and Night #84

The artwork Day and Night #84 is a powerful and thoughtful piece from Chen Ting-Shih's well-known Day and Night series. In this series, Chen is inspired by the vast universe, focusing on celestial bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. He combines the flowing lines and bold shapes of traditional Chinese seal carving with a unique material called "bagasse board," made from sugarcane fibre—a reference to Taiwan's economy in the 1950s and 60s. The cracked texture of the bagasse board adds a distinctive element that enhances the theme of cosmic unity in the work.

In Day and Night #84, Chen Ting-Shih uses black and white, solid and void spaces to create a peaceful yet dynamic landscape. Bold blue geometric forms symbolise the sky, while subtle highlights reveal the outlines of mountains and the phases of the moon. A glowing golden full moon lights up the scene, yet contrasting with a black crescent on the right. This piece expresses a strong sense of order and beauty while also reflecting the artist's deep thoughts on nature and self. Viewers are drawn into Chen's silent yet powerful inner world, where the quiet movement of stars and the vastness of the universe reveal an invisible but strong force of life.

Price estimate:
HKD 80,000 – 120,000
USD 10,300 – 15,400

Auction Result:
HKD: -