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Zhong Cheng 2024 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    WIM DELVOYE ( b.1965 )

    Concrete Mixer

    2011

    Laser - Cut Stainless Steel
    35 x 63 x 84 cm

    Estimate TWD 4,200,000-6,000,000
    USD 131,900-188,400
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 5,040,000
    USD 161,538
    HKD 1,269,521

With a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist

Provenance：

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

Wim Delvoye, the celebrated Belgian conceptual artist, is renowned for his groundbreaking and avant-garde creative concepts, as well as his diverse use of various artistic media. His unconventional works have included live pig tattoos, the creation of specimens for sale, and the invention of the machine-like "Cloaca" that simulates a digestive system. Delvoye's artistic pursuits span a multitude of disciplines, from painting to sculpture and installation art, effectively pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic expression.

At the heart of Delvoye's creative philosophy lies the fusion of industrialization, aesthetics, and societal observations. He relentlessly strives to unite the worlds of industry and art, thereby provoking profound contemplations on contemporary society amongst his spectators. His creations are a testament to his mastery of materials, his unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, and his insightful critiques of contemporary culture and values.

In the following works, Concrete Mixer draws its inspiration from religious art. This "Gothic-style machine" is etched onto stainless steel using cutting-edge laser technology, resulting in intricate and delicate patterns that evoke a sense of grace and grandeur. Rooted in the rich tradition of Belgian surrealism, Delvoye juxtaposes medieval craftsmanship with the technological marvels of the modern era, transforming everyday symbols of productivity into ornate, non-utilitarian objects. The result is an art form teeming with paradoxical elements, as if forging a connection between eras long past and our present moment. Moreover, through the aesthetic metamorphosis of industrial tools, he raises essential questions regarding the essence of objects and the nature of art. Concrete Mixer, once a mundane fixture on construction sites, is reborn in Delvoye's interpretation as a piece of art, symbolizing the harmonious merger of industry and aesthetics. Simultaneously, it is a testament to the transformation of practical items into complex, non-functional pieces, conveying the concepts of reevaluating worth and dismantling relative meanings. This subversive and satirical approach relentlessly challenges conventional artistic paradigms.

The Gothic style, historically associated with religion and the spiritual realm, has bestowed upon this industrial apparatus a sense of age-old elegance. The delicate and ornate stylings reminiscent of Baroque cathedral architecture stand in stark contrast to the mechanical heaviness of modern industrial machinery. Through his appropriations and transformations, Wim Delvoye presents an unconventional and fascinating fusion of historical adornment and contemporary industrial design, marrying the sacred with the profane. In doing so, he urges us to reflect on the intricate relationships between tools and ornamentation, functionality and aesthetics, and to question what qualifies as sacred or utilitarian. This also underscores the interplay between modernity and tradition, as well as the profound influence of history on contemporary art.

What sets Delvoye apart as an artist is his ability to perceive the world from unique vantage points and articulate his thoughts through his creations, leading viewers to engage in profound introspection. Jan Hoet, the organizer of Documenta IX, aptly noted, "Wim Delvoye's strength lies in his ability to generate conflict by juxtaposing fine art and folk art with a profound seriousness that challenges irony."

By merging philosophical concepts, innovative material applications, and the mastery of craftsmanship with a plethora of artistic forms, Wim Delvoye personifies the diversity and introspection of contemporary art. His work has garnered extensive recognition and acclaim within the field, encouraging audiences to ponder the definitions and meanings of art while blurring the lines between traditional and contemporary artistic practices. His exhibitions have graced prestigious art institutions worldwide, including the Louvre Museum, the Guggenheim Collection, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and the Rodin Museum, to name but a few.

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