ZHONG CHENG

  • Zhong Cheng 2023 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」
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    CHENG SHIFA (1921-2007)

    Girl and Deer

    1981

    Ink and Color on Paper
    90 x 70 cm

    With inscription and one seal of the artist With one seal of the China National Academy of Painting

    Estimate TWD 600,000-1,000,000
    USD 18,800-31,400
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 660,000
    USD 21,154
    HKD 166,247

Provenance：Private Collection, Asia

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

During his tenure as the art professor at the University of Hawaii in 1981, Zhao Ze Xiu organized a observation group to exchange art thoughts with the dean and students from Shanghai Chinese Painting Institute. This “Girl and Deer” is a on- site painting and gift from Cheng Shi Fa.

On the right hand side of the painting he painted “In memory of the observation group with professor Zhao Ze Xiu at the University of Hawaii, July 2nd 1981.” At the height of the art exchange, Zhao Ze Xiu was inspired to take up his pen and wrote “You ask me why I dwell in the green mountain; I smile and make no reply for my heart is free of care.” It was a gift to represent admiration and gratitude to Cheng Shih Fa.
The painting of Cheng not only is a rich artistic representation but also a medium to carry on throughout the years. The precious bonding of the two maters brought out the characteristics of Chinese Modern Water Ink painting and the affections of traditional literati. During his early years, Cheng Shi Fa is known for painting serial and illustration paintings.

Admitted in Shanghai Chinese Painting College in 1957 and later became its honored dean, Cheng is indeed a recognized Shanghai art style master. Growing up with limited resources, Cheng has always remained content. Painting made his life complete even during hard times. He has never stopped improving himself. With solid foundation in Chinese painting, along with diligent Western sketching skills and an open minded attitude, his artworks are not only rich in style, but also expanded the aesthetic space. His artworks and style are admired by many.

Memoir of Zhao Ze Xiu From 1976 to the beginning of 80s, I have invited a group of friends from the American art world to China for intellectual exchange. We have met many artists and had brought back many souvenirs. During the summer of 1981, I worked at The Academy of Fine Art in Beijing and visited the Dean, Zhang Ding, and his fellow professors. I flew to Hangzhou the next day to visit Zhejiang School of Arts and engaged half a day of intellectual exchange with the department head, Deng Ye and his students.

I was invited to visit the dean of Shanghai Chinese Painting College Cheng Shi Fa on July 2nd, 1981. His hospitality and passion made me feel at home and we have invited to create together with other renowned art masters.

On the huge canvas, Cheng’s brushstrokes were simple and proficient. 
Within minutes, he completed the harmonious and lively “Girl and Deer” and gave it to me as a gift along with the chop of Shanghai Chinese Painting College.

“I have visited several times later to Shanghai and was hosted by him. Thirty years have passed, and I missed him greatly when I look at his gift which reminded that I have also aged.” --- August, 2012, Shanghai

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