Kristy M Chan - 20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sale Hong Kong Friday, October 6, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Emblazoned with sumptuous texture and vivid colours, Finding a park to nap in is a work that is wholly and unapologetically Kristy M Chan. Characterised by her dynamic and vigorous brushwork, the present work exudes a symphony of colours – creating a resplendent visual display for the viewer. At once dizzying and radiant, its title seems to suggest a contrasting state. The present work opens up a moment of contemplation and reflection, perhaps alluding to the artist’s yearning for respite.

     

    Chan is best known for her abstract paintings that titillate the senses. Departing from her earlier figurative compositions, the present work is a remarkable example of her ever-evolving style. The artist’s practice draws reference from her personal narratives and the way in which environmental elements shape her identity. When talking about her process, Chan expressed her affinity with oil and oil stick as a medium: “oil retains pigment very well. The texture of oil paint is quite sticky and is something I enjoy working with. Acrylic doesn’t move in the same way oil does.” i Congregated with erratic and frenzied strokes in certain areas, Finding a park to nap in pulsates with energy but equally demonstrates the artist’s control of her own brush. Her technical approach is deeply instinctive and can almost be interpreted as a performative act.

     

    The present composition is predominantly dominated by swathes of verdant green, revealing and concealing subtle tinges of tangerine and shimmering magenta – conjuring a perfect balance between cool and warm tones. The stark contrast in colours reminds Chan of the Japanese flower-arranging process Ikebana, whereby tones and textures are juxtaposed to introduce the notion of negative space being just as important as positive space.

     

    Phillips and The Artist Room hosted a group show titled New Romantics Hong Kong between 31 August – 21 October 2022, of which Finding a park to nap in was included. More recently, Chan was the subject of a collaborative solo exhibition hosted by Simon Lee Gallery and The Artist Room. Titled Binge, the exhibition ran from 12 October - 12 November 2022 in both galleries’ locations in London. 


    i Interview with Kristy M Chan, Ocula, ‘In the Studio with Kristy M Chan’, 22 September 2022, online.

    • Provenance

      The Artist Room, London
      Acquired from the above by the present owner

163

Finding a park to nap in

signed, titled and dated 'Kristy M Chan [in Pinyin and Chinese] "Finding a park to nap in" 2022.' on the reverse
oil, pigment and oil bar on linen
200 x 170.5 cm. (78 3/4 x 67 1/8 in.)
Executed in 2022.

Full Cataloguing

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 150,000 
€12,100-18,200
$12,800-19,200

Sold for HK$215,900

Contact Specialist

Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Day Sale, Associate Specialist
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com

20th Century & Contemporary Art Day Sale

Hong Kong Auction 7 October 2023