Lot  32 Ravenel Autumn Auction 2005

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2005

Abstract Composition

George CHANN (Chinese-American, 1913 - 1995)

Oil on canvas

130 x 175 cm

Estimate

TWD 4,800,000-5,800,000

USD 150,000-181,300

Sold Price

TWD 6,482,000

USD 193,608


Signature

Signed lower right GEO. CHANN

+ OVERVIEW

"Abstract Composition" is created in George Chann's late period; it's a large rare piece of work. Chann fades out of the art scene in the sunset of his life; he worked quietly in the Farmer's Market Gallery, enamored of in the aura of treasures of Chinese culture. His paintings aren't intended for the market or exhibitions, they were simply tributes to civilization, preferences to the fusion of the essences in both Chinese and western cultures, so he can experiment every abstract possibilities freely.

Lived in Los Angeles for a long period of time, Chann had already adapted the pulse of south California; you can especially tell from his urban color structure in his late collections. Chann admired two abstract painters of the United States the most; they are Mark Tobey and Jackson Pollock. Both of them were influenced by eastern calligraphy, linear colors are often used in their paintings. However, Pollock's paintings are more emphasized on the movement within, it's a record of the progress of the entire energy behavior; on the other hand, what Tobey pursues is the harmony of the whole picture. Chann's abstract paintings evolves through time, tried to combine Pollock and Tobey's style and find a moderate, a brand new abstract style.

"Abstract Composition" has the mystic multivocality of Tobey's "write writing" its essence is closer to eastern culture; it also possesses Pollock's unrestrained line structures, enhancing magnificence of the whole picture. "Abstract Composition"materially adapted oil paints, and finished with collage. The patterns are close and tight; the colors are variegated, composing an epic symphony to praise the glorious history and civilization. The artist transformed the Chinese characters on bones, shells, vessels, bells, stone inscriptions, and Chinese characters into abstract patterns with modern significances; Especially paintings from the artist's late collections, blends flourishing colors and lines, rich in muscles, its woven form is having more freedom and maturity; it's a very expressive abstract painting.

Related Info

The 20th & 21st Century Chinese Art

Ravenel Autumn Auction 2005

Sunday, December 4, 2005, 12:00am