Crayon on paper

9.8×14.4 cm. 3 7/8×5 5/8 in.

LITERATURE
2010, Wu Dayu Works On Paper I, Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei, p.420
2016, Wu Dayu Works On Paper, Commercial Press, Beijing, p.362
PROVENANCE
Lin & Keng Gallery, Taipei
Acquired directly by present important private Asian collector from the above

"Painting and poetry, these two forms of expression, are essentially the same; both are the outpouring of life's breath. They can reveal hidden meanings and unveil the mysteries of the universe without needing concrete forms."
——Zao Wou-Ki

Eastern culture possesses its distinctive aesthetic perspectives and has long engaged in the exploration and contemplation of abstraction. For instance, Xie He, a revered artist from the Southern Qi dynasty, proposed six criteria for evaluating paintings. The foremost among these is "spirit resonance", which mandates that a work must exude vitality, spirituality, and a captivating charm that stirs the soul.  

This philosophy later finds expression in Chinese ink painting through the art of freehand brushwork, the deliberate use of blank space, and an eschewal of literal depiction. Rather than pointing directly to a single object, it seeks to guide the viewer's spirit on a transcendent journey of thought-much like the experience of reading a poem, where meaning unfolds beyond the words. Subsequently, Wu Dayu, a luminary of Chinese modernism, articulated the theory of "dynamic form" , lending further clarity to this evolving discourse.  

Moreover, the traditions of Eastern calligraphy, seal carving, and the philosophical ideal of the "unity of heaven and humanity" have profoundly shaped artists' expressions, infusing their works with a timeless depth. For this spring auction, we have chosen the theme Unbounded Rhymes, weaving together Asia's exceptional modern expressions, abstract language, and Eastern aesthetics. We proudly present the classic works of 15 significant modern and contemporary artists from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Japan, offering collectors the boundless vistas that resonate within their creations.

Vivid Colours, Boundless Spirit
The Resonance of Wu Dayu's Life and Art

"Here is freedom, here is beauty,
Here is dignity and nobility,
I paint for you a thousand graceful forms,
From past to future, and present here,
A collaboration between God and me."
——Wu Dayu

Born in 1903 in Yixing, Jiangsu, Wu Dayu was a pioneer of modern Chinese abstract art and an aesthetic theorist. His pursuit of creative freedom and individual expression sowed the seeds of a new artistic era in China. At fifteen, he began studying painting at a private academy, and by seventeen, he was editing for the Shun Pao's art section. At nineteen, he studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris under Georges Braque, a leader in Cubism, and Antoine Bourdelle, a master sculptor. Wu combined Eastern and Western artistic traditions to develop a unique aesthetic of "dynamic imagery," laying the foundation for abstract painting theory in China. In 1927, he returned to Shanghai from Paris. He co-founded the Hangzhou National Academy of Art with Lin Fengmian, where he served as head of the oil painting department and mentored artists such as Zao Wou-Ki, Wu Guanzhong, and Chu Teh-Chun.

Wu Dayu's art emphasizes the fusion of movement, light, and tone, with a strong focus on the spiritual dimension of creation. "What painting needs is insight, not technique; not the form of things, but transcendence," he expressed, unveiling the unity between the painter and their work. The three crayon-on-paper pieces in this spring auction-Untitled I-743 (Lot 16) and Untitled II-136 & Untitled II-137 (Lot 17)-created between the 1970s and 1980s, radiate the eternal beauty of life.

Vibrant Hues, Childlike Heart

"Art brings life closer to nature and, in turn, returns nature to expand life."
——Wu Dayu

The three works featured here incorporate a love for nature and a contemplation of life with the innocence of vivid colours. These pieces are particularly full in composition, with vibrant and lively hues, making them extraordinary examples of artistic appeal.

In Untitled I-743, Wu Dayu uses expressive lines to evoke a scene of spring and harmony. Bright colours, including a hint of fluorescence, bring energy to the piece, with brushstrokes rich in power and speed. The vibrant vitality of all living things comes alive on the paper. Figures, blending in and out of the scene, are immersed in the force of movement, showcasing his unique "dynamic imagery" aesthetic. The foreground depicts the golden fertile soil, while lush vegetation fills the middle ground, and in the distance, a bird soars downwards, inviting endless imagination.

French Impressionist Paul Cézanne once said, "Painting from nature is not copying objects; it is realizing one's sensations." Wu Dayu greatly admired Cézanne, and his belief that "painting is the painter's perception of nature and a moment of truth in the universe" resonates with Cézanne's thoughts. Despite the hardships of his later years and the Cultural Revolution's restrictions, Wu's pure heart remained untouched. This work exudes a sense of freedom and joy, expressing his expansive heart and vibrant passion.

Soaring Wings, Rising Sun

Untitled II-136 and Untitled II-137 integrate natural forms with a sense of movement. In the former, a large brown bird spreads its wings, its form merging with the background of lines and blocks of colour, creating a dynamic sensation of flight. The abstract green brushwork suggests a dense forest, while the red and yellow hues evoke the dazzling glow of the sun through tree gaps.

Untitled II-137, uses shapes and lines to depict the busy streets of a city. Dominated by classic red and blue tones, the composition balances contrast without overwhelming the viewer. The overlapping geometric structures of buildings create depth, while in the distance, a vibrant red sun rises, symbolizing the artist's unyielding hope for life.

The Devotee of Life, Eternal Star of Art

"No matter how many techniques or methods are used to constrain art, the heart of art will always find its way."
——Wu Dayu

Wu Dayu's use of crayons began during the hardships of the Cultural Revolution, when he worked with small sheets of paper and crayons to avoid detection. From 1965 onward, he completed over a thousand crayon works, and even when suffering from cataracts before his passing, he never put down his crayons. Through this unyielding spirit, he achieved profound mastery over his medium. The works presented here embody this noble spirit and aesthetic core. Despite the struggles of poverty and illness, Wu never lamented his circumstances. His art shines with the eternal light of life, undimmed by adversity.

Price estimate:
HKD 90,000 - 150,000
USD 11,500 - 19,200