Lot 622
  • 622

Mark Tin Kit (Mai Tianjie)

Estimate
48,000 - 58,000 HKD
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Description

  • Mark Tin Kit (Mai Tianjie)
  • My Family
  • oil on canvas
signed MARK and dated 11

Provenance

Private Asian Collection

Exhibited

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Central Library, Hong Kong Oil Painting Competition 2012, February 4 - 13, 2012

Literature

Hong Kong Oil Painting Competition 2012, Hong Kong Oil Painting Research Society, Hong Kong, 2012, p. 95, illustrated in colour

Condition

The work is in excellent condition. There is no evidence of restoration under UV light.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The Epitome of Modern Society – Realist Oil Paintings by Hong Kong artists

For over a century, Chinese oil painters have been endowed with two missions – studying Western painting traditions and developing their own aesthetic vocabulary. In the early 20th century, Li Tiefu, one of the first Chinese artists who went overseas to study oil painting, resided in Hong Kong. Local artists such as Hoi-Ying Chan, Chan Shou-Soo, Ma Jir-Bo and Yee Bon all have made tremendous contributions to the Hong Kong art scene. Even in the second half of 20th century the development of Hong Kong oil painting has dwindled compared to mainland China, the result of the local artists’ efforts to promote art has gained recognition and popularity among art lovers and collectors. This spring, apart from showcasing the masterpieces from “Chinese Realism Group,” Sotheby’s 20th Century Chinese Art sale is proud to present five local artists’ realists paintings that convey a comprehensive picture of modern Hong Kong society.

My Family (Lot 622) by Mark Tin Kit depicts the three generations of the artist’s family. Mark grew up in one of Hong Kong’s public housing units. Despite being confined to a extremely small space, the family members still seem happy and joyful, lending an air of peacefulness and warmth to this work. Waiting (Lot 624) by Lo Ho Wa represents the traditional market scene with its outdoor food vendor. The bunches of bananas, plastic bags, radio, empty bottles, the food stall stacked up with stones in the foreground, and even the iron tray the vendor use to collect money every day display the artist’s meticulous attention to details in this painting. Waiting also received the Award of Excellence at the Hong Kong Oil Painting Competition 2012.

Endeavor to bring true happiness to audiences, Hung Mei Yee Clara’s Full Fortune (Lot 623) is a work imbued with auspicious symbols. In this painting, a little girl in a red satin cotton-padded jacket is holding a cup of tea. With the work’s fortunate and lucky emblems in the background, the artist invites the viewer to reflect on the idea that happiness can be found in small things, like having a cup of tea, of just a regular day. Cheuk Hiu Kwong is interested in focusing on painting a corner of space as subject matter. Incorporated with modern furniture and traditional realist painting techniques, through the water faucet, the mirror, the woman in the shower, the sink, the light and the view from a narrow vantage point represented here, Clarity No. 17 (Lot 625) explores the intersection of freedom and privacy as well as the loneliness that resonates deeply with people in the modern world. Mother (Lot 626) by Wong Hong Keung is a unique tribute to the artist’s mother. Depicting a rear view of his mother who is busy with preparing food for her son, a familiar scene in Wong’s everyday life, this work is a silent token of his gratitude for his beloved mother. Mother is awarded top prize at the Hong Kong Oil Painting Competition 2012.