Ding Yanyong

signed Y. Y. TING and dated 10/11/66

Property from the Collection of Ms. Yuen Wai Chung

Hong Kong, Hong Kong Museum of Art, No Frontiers: The Art of Ding Yanyong, December 19, 2008- April 5, 2009

 Hong Kong Museum of Art, ed., No Frontiers: The Art of Ding Yanyong, Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Hong Kong, 2008, p.17, illustrated in colour

This work is in good condition. There is evidence of scattered paint losses across the surface of the work, predominantly one paint loss 2 cm in length along the right edge, 23 cm from the bottom edge; one paint loss 6 cm from the left edge and 20 cm from the bottom edge of the work, consistent with the natural aging process of the medium. There is a dark grey accretion, 0.5 cm in length at the upper left corner of the painting. There is evidence of minor dust and accretions across the surface. There is no evidence of restoration under UV.
"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."

Ding Yanyong was mentored by Eisaku Wada and received an academic rigorous training. Fauvism, led by Henri Matisse, also impacted Ding hugely. After he returned to his homeland, Ding realised the importance of integrating Chinese culture into oil painting. Hence he plunged into zhuan calligraphy and incorporated it into his oil painting creations. Still Life was featured at a Ding Yanyong retrospective exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of Art from 2008 to 2009. Instead of creating depth, the flat composition merged the vase, desk, orange and the wall into one layer. The vase's fronds decoration is depicted in a way that blends in with the wallpaper's ornamentation.  The choice of using solid bright colours such as yellow, red, orange and green creates a visually contrasting effect; evoking a blissful emotion.

Inspired by Matisse's vibrantly hued and richly ornamented style, Ding further accentuated the oriental facet in Stil Life. Fauvism paintings are characterised by filling the canvas profusely with pigments to create a compelling visual effect. However, the artist differed from the style and instead chose a white background to allow the colours to breathe around the canvas. What is more, the artist expressed his zealous personality by fusing zhuan calligraphy into the outlines of the vase and the flower.