QIU ZHIJIE | Dartington (Poem)

signed in Chinese and Pinyin, dated 2005 and numbered 6/8

Chambers Fine Art
Private Collection

New York, Chambers Fine Art, The Shape of Time: Works by Qiu Zhijie, January – February 2007 (another edition)

Examined within its frame, this work is in very good condition overall. Visible only upon close examination and under raking light, occasional hairline surface scratches are noted to be scarcely scattered, primarily along the edges. Framed under plexiglass.
"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."

One of the leading figures in conceptual art and new media, Chinese contemporary artist Qiu Zhijie’s modus operandi experiments with a diverse range of medium such as calligraphy, photography, installation, all united by the essence of performance that anchors his creative bravura. An amalgamation of the artist’s broad artistic endeavours is his photo-based series of works which captures his calligraphy ‘written’ using a flashlight. The present lot, Dartington (Poem), is one of the many exquisite works that sprang from the striking series. Another edition of this work was exhibited in the artist’s solo exhibition The Shape of Time at Chambers Fine Art in New York in 2007. The piece is created in front of Dartington Hall in England, one of the main locations where Qiu Zhijie created his revered Twenty Four Seasons that also features his light calligraphy. Center of the composition is the Chinese characters meaning poem. Qiu once said, “even a fixed star has a limited lifetime – it will disappear one day and become a black hole.” Dartington (Poem) is poetic not only in its literal sense, but the idea of capturing something of an ephemeral nature, giving it a tangible form, and the lyrical movements of Qiu scribbling the invisible air further elude to poetic qualities.