- 573
Luo Zhongli
Estimate
2,000,000 - 3,000,000 HKD
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Description
- Luo Zhongli
- Blowing
- oil on canvas
signed in pinyin and Chinese and dated 1984.6
Provenance
Private American Collection
Condition
This work is in excellent condition. 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."
"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
Luo Zhongli does not find the simple lifestyle at the countryside arid, instead it sheds light to collective solidarity, profound feelings of warmth; which is also the reason why he chose to stay and continue to exploit this powerful artistic inspiration. Blowing adapted a daily scene at the countryside where one has to squint eyes moving in between the strong sandy winds at the wild. Many people in their childhood have experienced parents blowing dust away from their eyes. This gesture remains a common act amongst teenagers at the countryside.
The figures in the painting could be siblings or a couple. The artist did not flaunt his solid naturalistic painting skill, rather he softened the figures' contours and emphasised their body language. The boy is rendered crudely with a refined touch. He put off his work at once when he noticed the girl is bothered by the dust in her eyes and gently blew it away for her. The girl frowned slightly because she couldn't see anything and yet her body seemed very relaxed, allowing the boy to sooth her discomfort. Their body language is a testimony to their absolute trust to each other.
Living simplistically at the countryside allows people to form a more intimate relationship and a unified community as oppose to those living in an alienated metropolitan. French realist master Jean Francois Millet was also passionate in creating paintings of rural life. His choice of dull colours reflects the actual rural scene and stood out from the prevailing extravagant and regal painting style at the time. Blowing is mainly painted in a yellow tone – not only does it highlight the bare and dry nature of the mountains, it also seems to suggest the work is set in the fall season. Shed leaves and yellow bushes at the background aligns with the plot of the gust of sandy winds. Furthermore, in contrast to the dull colour in Millet's work, Luo's use of bright lights on the canvas projects a brightened and positive image on rural life.
The figures in the painting could be siblings or a couple. The artist did not flaunt his solid naturalistic painting skill, rather he softened the figures' contours and emphasised their body language. The boy is rendered crudely with a refined touch. He put off his work at once when he noticed the girl is bothered by the dust in her eyes and gently blew it away for her. The girl frowned slightly because she couldn't see anything and yet her body seemed very relaxed, allowing the boy to sooth her discomfort. Their body language is a testimony to their absolute trust to each other.
Living simplistically at the countryside allows people to form a more intimate relationship and a unified community as oppose to those living in an alienated metropolitan. French realist master Jean Francois Millet was also passionate in creating paintings of rural life. His choice of dull colours reflects the actual rural scene and stood out from the prevailing extravagant and regal painting style at the time. Blowing is mainly painted in a yellow tone – not only does it highlight the bare and dry nature of the mountains, it also seems to suggest the work is set in the fall season. Shed leaves and yellow bushes at the background aligns with the plot of the gust of sandy winds. Furthermore, in contrast to the dull colour in Millet's work, Luo's use of bright lights on the canvas projects a brightened and positive image on rural life.