Previous LotNext lot

Zeng Fanzhi (Chinese, b.1964)
LOT ID: 61008
Untitled ("Abstract" Painting and "Abstract" Ink Study: 2 works), 2005

Oil, on canvas. Second work is ink and ink wash on paper
23.61 х 28.75 in. cm.
Signed, other, and both also dated '2005' on front lower right, center.
Lot description
Zeng Fanzhi. (B. 1964, China). "Untitled" (Abstract Painting and Abstract Ink Study)” (Two works).
1. Painting: Oil on linen canvas. 2005. 23.6 x 28.75 inches (60 x 73 cm). Signed and dated. This work is unframed and in excellent condition.
2. Work on Paper: Ink and ink wash on paper. 2005. 15.75 x 27.60 inches, (40 x 70 cm). Signed and dated. This work is framed and in excellent condition.

Note: The oil painting and ink study were created during the same month in 2005 and acquired by the present owner together as a formal pair directly from the Artist that same year.

A stunning "Untitled" abstract oil painting and its formal "Untitled" ink on paper study by famed Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi, are offered here together as an exciting and rare pair by the artist for the first time at auction. These works fit neatly into the celebrated and highly sought-after 'Abstract' works by the artist.

The visual connection of the works to one another is clear, with the painting a cropped version of the ink study. Further, both are signed and dated in the same location on front by the artist. The painting can be considered a 'reverse' version of the study, as Zeng paints the bundles, tentacles and spirals of lines and marks that floats across the surface of the unprimed linen canvas in an ethereal palette based on white paint, tinted with hues of reds and blues. A series of delicate, often circuitous lines in black and greys are painted atop the white foundation, the paints mixing together in a visually harmonious manner. The painting emotes the visual, psychological and emotional opposite of the study, which is much more stark, aggressive and determined as solid black ink on white paper. This balance the works to one another when viewed together is important. Ultimately, this pair offers a unique and special testament to the imagination and process of Zeng, and are sublime, fresh examples of what makes him one the most famous artists working today.

Zeng Fanzhi (B. 1964, China) is considered by many scholars and collectors the most famous Chinese Contemporary artist working today. In May 2008, the artist's painting, 'Mask Series 1996 No. 6', was auctioned for $9.7 million, a record for contemporary Asian art that was only recently broken this year. Zeng is represented and exhibits with Gagosian Galleries and had a major solo at Gagosian Hong Kong, Fall 2011. Zeng's paintings and works on paper are in the world's finest private and public collections in the world. Please see attached resume and exhibition history for his multiple Museum exhibitions world-wide.
  • Condition Report
  • History and Provenance
  • Shipping Information
  • Payment and Return Policies
Alternate Views: 1 of 1
Share |
Add Zeng Fanzhi to My Artist Alert
Receive email alerts as soon as artists you follow are up for sale. Update your artist watch list any time.

Sales Results for Comparable Works

To help you value the lot, artnet Auctions specialists have selected similar auction results from the artnet Price Database. To better understand the lot estimates with more comparable results, subscribe or log in to the Price Database now.
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Untitled (from the Grass series)
    oil on canvas
    (H 27.8, W 78.7) in.
    (70.5 x 200) cm.
    Sold for: US$492,699
    Monday, November 28, 2011
    Ravenel
    Lot 00068
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    无题 (Untitled no.8)
    oil on canvas
    (H 15.7, W 55.1) in.
    (40 x 140) cm.
    Sold for: US$882,919
    Sunday, November 13, 2011
    Beijing RongBao Auctions Co., Ltd.
    Lot 02076
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Landscape
    oil on canvas
    (H 59.1, W 71.3) in.
    (150 x 181) cm.
    Sold for: US$286,516
    Friday, October 14, 2011
    Sotheby's London
    Lot 00251
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Untitled
    oil on canvas
    (H 23.6, W 31.5) in.
    (60 x 80) cm.
    Sold for: US$123,913
    Friday, May 20, 2011
    Beijing Hanhai Auction Co., Ltd.
    Lot 02065
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Untitled
    oil on canvas
    (H 94.5, W 55.9) in.
    (240 x 142) cm.
    Sold for: US$203,653
    Monday, October 04, 2010
    Sotheby's Hong Kong
    Lot 00715
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Portrait
    marker on paper
    (H 8.5, W 7.7) in.
    (21.5 x 19.5) cm.
    Sold for: US$48,335
    Monday, October 04, 2010
    Sotheby's Hong Kong
    Lot 00780
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Landscape
    oil on canvas
    (H 27.6, W 78.7) in.
    (70 x 200) cm.
    Sold for: US$369,790
    Monday, May 31, 2010
    Ravenel
    Lot 00038
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Revolutionary: fearless of hardship, fearless to die
    pencil on paper
    (H 13.0, W 9.4) in.
    (33 x 24) cm.
    Sold for: US$35,403
    Monday, April 05, 2010
    Sotheby's Hong Kong
    Lot 00306
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Study for mask series
    color pencil on paper laid on paperboard
    (H 10.8, W 9.1) in.
    (27.5 x 23.1) cm.
    Sold for: US$219,344
    Monday, November 30, 2009
    Christie's Hong Kong
    Lot 01652
  • Zeng Fanzhi

    Mask series (study)
    ink and color
    (H 6.6, W 5.6) in.
    (16.7 x 14.2) cm.
    Sold for: US$116,316
    Sunday, May 25, 2008
    Christie's Hong Kong
    Lot 00717
artnet Auctions—Buy and sell art 24/7 worldwide. ©2013 Artnet Worldwide Corporation. All rights reserved. artnet® is a registered
trademark of Artnet Worldwide Corporation. Call for Assistance: US +1-877-388-3256, EU +49 (0)30 20 91 78 50