What not to miss at Christie’s First Open│Hong Kong auction

Highlighting the simple beauty of lines and paying tribute to this most fundamental component of images, one of the most exciting artworks at this year’s First Open are the works of legendary Chinese-French painter Zao Wou-Ki. Renowned for his abstract expressionist-style paintings, see in person his mastery and how Zao reinterprets simple lines into breath-taking pieces. 

Image: Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji, France/China, 1920-2013).
Untitled, watercolour and ink on paper, 40.5 x 57 cm.
Painted in 1962. $650,000-$850,000

First Open is also putting the spotlight on portraiture and exploring how the art form provides not only an intimate glance into an artist’s psyche, but the wider societal and cultural environment in which their works were produced. Exhibited here is celebrated Chinese contemporary artist Zeng Fanzhi, whose portrait showcases his command of brushstrokes and his ability to evoke emotional and psychological responses.  

Image: Zeng Fanzhi (CHINA, B. 1964), Portrait 07-8-1, oil on canvas, 130 x 110 cm. Painted in 2007.
$2.5 million-$3.5 million

As a tribute to Hong Kong, Christie’s is offering a curated selection of artworks inspired by this energetic city, including this vibrantly colourful piece by ‘King of Watercolour’, Luis Chan. This particular piece is a classic reflection of Chan’s signature style of teaming brilliant colours with childlike whimsy.

Image: Luis Chan (Chen Fushan, China,1905-1995), Magician, pen, pencil, watercolour and acrylic on paper, 68.5 x 135 cm. Painted in 1987. Two seals of the artist. $350,000-$450,000

Another artist to look out for is Pang Juin, a Chinese painter who lived in Hong Kong briefly during the 1980s. Influenced by both eastern and western techniques, in this painting, Pang’s loose brushstrokes and entrancing command of colour present a quaint yet captivating image of Stanley waterfront. 

Image: Pang Juin (Pang Juin, China, B.1936). Landscape of Stanley (Hong Kong), oil on canvas, 60.6 x 72.2cm. Painted in 2008. $280,000-460,000

Locally-based artist Lee Kit, who previously represented Hong Kong at the 55th Venice Biennale, practices across a broad range of media including painting, drawing and video. This installation is a prime example of Lee’s innovative use of different mediums and his unique perspective on memories and time.

Image: Lee Kit (Hong Kong SAR, B. 1978) “you.” acrylic, emulsion paint, lazer-jet ink on cardboard; lights; acrylic, emulsion, paint, heat-melt glue and inkjet ink on cardboard; plastic container, Dimensions variable, painting: (left) 59 x 46 cm., (right) 67.5 x 48.5 cm. Executed in 2012. $150,000-$250,000

Renowned British sculptor Antony Gormley has been intrigued with the human body’s relationship to space throughout his career. A fascinating construct of blocks that form a human figure, see up close – and possibly own – one of Gormley’s signature cast-iron sculptures after a visit to this auction viewing.  

Image: Antony Gormley (UK, B. 1950), Meme CCC, cast iron sculpture, 8.6 x 16 x 8.6 cm.
Executed in 2013. $500,000-700,000