- 320
Chang Fee Ming
Estimate
140,000 - 220,000 HKD
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Description
- Chang Fee Ming
- Gathering Of Graces In Front Of Mount Agung
- Signed Bali and stamped with a seal of the artist
- Watercolor on paper
- 56 by 76 cm.; 22 by 29 3/4 in.
- Executed in 1998.
Literature
Christine Rohani Longuet, The Visible Trail of Chang Fee Ming: Asia in Watercolor, Kuala Terengganu, 2000, p. 93, illustrated in color.
Condition
The work is in good condition overall. The paper is free from foxing, tears, creases and holes. Under ultraviolet light inspection, there is no evidence of restoration. The colors are more vibrant in reality than the catalogue illustration. Framed, under Plexiglas.
"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
The theory of omission, also known as Ernest Hemingway’s iceberg theory, is seen to be executed in many of Chang Fee Ming’s artworks; as he often omits facial expressions and illustrates his subjects only from behind or from the waist down, focusing on the details of clothing, posture and their environment. Thus, creating a mysterious yet clear image of the subject matter, similar to that of the “show, don’t tell” writing style, which elaborates on factual information surrounding the protagonist but rarely states the obvious single truth, leaving the audience to wonder.
Gathering of Graces in front of Mount Agung attracts the viewer with its bright watercolors and captures even the tiniest of creases in the subject’s dresses; from these features the audience is able to deduce the posture and possible actions of the three figures, but by omitting the facial expressions it becomes difficult to read if the mood is tense or relaxed. Behind the figures is an outstretched area of seaweed and a locust-shaped boat, indicating low tide, and in the far distance is the stratovolcano, Mount Agung. The title and setting alludes to an Indonesian folktale of deities coming down from their home on Mount Agung to visit the mortals, suggesting the mysterious and pleasant characters of these three figures.
Gathering of Graces in front of Mount Agung attracts the viewer with its bright watercolors and captures even the tiniest of creases in the subject’s dresses; from these features the audience is able to deduce the posture and possible actions of the three figures, but by omitting the facial expressions it becomes difficult to read if the mood is tense or relaxed. Behind the figures is an outstretched area of seaweed and a locust-shaped boat, indicating low tide, and in the far distance is the stratovolcano, Mount Agung. The title and setting alludes to an Indonesian folktale of deities coming down from their home on Mount Agung to visit the mortals, suggesting the mysterious and pleasant characters of these three figures.