ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2014 Autumn Auction「Morden And Contemporary Art」
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    041

    CHIU YATSAI (1949-2013)

    Youth in Red

    1982

    Oil on Canvas
    105x64cm

    Signed Chiu Ya-Tsai in Chinese

    Estimate TWD 750,000-1,000,000
    USD 24,800-33,000
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 1,652,000
    USD 0
    HKD 0

Provenance：

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

In Chiu Ya-Tsai’s career, the Wistaria Tea House in Taipei was the most influential. Before becoming a professional artist, Chiu followed a routine of “painting at home during the day time and writing at the Wistaria Tea House at night.” The Wistaria Tea House was the hub for all kinds of creative artists and poets ever since it began business in 1981. It allowed the shy Chiu Ya Tsai to expand his social network. The tranquil atmosphere at the teahouse influenced his painting and at the same time he observed the different types of clients. His brushstrokes and texture of painting went from the liberal type shown in the portrait painting “Youth in Red” to become more quiet and reserved as shown in “Youth in Red”. At a glimpse, Chiu’s visual form is influenced by Italian painter Modigliani: to emphasize the depression of the main figure by lengthening the slim facial feature; the simplified body movements and the almost black background forces the viewers to fix gaze on the painting. The teen in red shirt’s expression is complicated and dull; compared to the indifferent feeling of Modigliani’s “withdrawal” gaze; Chiu Ya-Tsai faithfully presented his observation of human nature. During an interview, Chiu Ya-Tsai revealed more than once about how Picasso’s “The Blue Period” inspired him, enabling him to present “Youth in Red” in a more even and cold tone, no language is needed to send a light but serious visual effect and present life completely. Without any degree from art institutes (he only drew comics during his teenage years, but the famous ones have nothing to do with his later style), Chiu Ya-Tsai fought against the changes in the world with his talents. Maybe viewers can regard the depressed characters as a reflection of the artist. 

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