ZHONG CHENG

Zhong Cheng 2024 Autumn Auction「Modern And Contemporary Art」

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    LINUS ZAO (b.1930)

    Entering into the Sea

    2015

    Watercolor on Paper
    122x132cm

    Signed Linus Zao both in English and Chinese, dated 2015

    Estimate TWD 220,000-320,000
    USD 7,200-10,500
    HKD 0-0

    Hammer Price TWD 0
    USD 0
    HKD 0

Provenance：

Illustrated：

Exhibition：

Exposition：

The well-known master of animation Linus Zao, was a multimedia artist that is capable and talented in creating film, architecture, scenic garden, calligraphy. His areas of knowledge are also well-rounded extending from collecting antiques to tasting exquisite cuisine. Entering into the Sea is completed in his signature style. As the title Watercolorist remains his favorite identity. He has many identities that is a consequence of a life filled with grand experiences. Linus was taught under the instructions of Chu Teh-Chun, Ma Pai-Sui, Wu Nientsu, Puru, Huang Jun-Bi and other great artists. He was the sole Asian apprentice of Walt Disney in his time. After retuning to Taiwan from America, Linus Zao dedicated all his energy into the world of animation. Being far ahead of others in his field, he won the Golden Horse Award in 1969 and was honored the title Father of Taiwanese Animation, and even the name Walt Disney of Taiwan. He also won numerous awards for watercolor creations, in 1969 he was reward by Taiwanese Chinese Ink Drawings during the 6th Annual Golden Nobility Award. He moved to Hawaii due to a job opening in the National University of Hawaii, he later became a permanent resident of Hawaii spending thirty years of his life on his artistic pursuit. In 1997 he was elected as Hawaii First Generation Wonder, earning the affection of international aesthetic appreciation.


Linus Zao’s watercolor works are not concerned about opacity, perspectives, instead it emphasize on strengthening an atmospheric effect. He approaches his subject with confident yet moving brushstrokes. Incorporating the traditional ink drawing techniques of leaving white, simplicity, to create poetic aspect into his composition. Zao’s favorite subject has always been water, water taking no definite form, yet adaptable to its surrounding environment, it’s every-changing essence from waterfall to light rain are all reasons for Linus’ fascination. Entering into the Sea painted in 2005 depicts a grand waterfall with streams soft as silk. The detailed paid in the portrayal of rocks also demonstrate expertise in composition. The soft stream and rocks intermix creating dynamic droplets that fly in all directions. The quiet yet lively portrayal of Entering into the Sea is in fact very philosophical; it holds beliefs to the idea of Carpe Diem-seizing the day. Linus Zao seems to simultaneously hide and express his emotions; he depicts only true emotion into his paintings. Consequently, the work is a visual delight translating poetic thoughts and even more so Linus Zao’s endless artistic energy. 

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