"At the end of 1968, the US spacecraft, Apollo 7, passed the atmosphere and took the first picture of Earth. This picture astounded and inspired the world. When I saw this picture, I immediately turned my attention to the dawn of the space era. As a result, I completed my first painting about space (Which is Earth?) at the beginning of 1969. In May, this painting won first prize in 'Mainstream '69' in the United States. I was also awarded the title of 'most inspiring modern artist'. Greatly encouraged by such achievements, I then devoted myself to this new field and created a colourful series of Chinese paintings." — Liu Kuo-Sung
Adolph Gottlieb, Blast I, 1957, Collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York
Provenance
Bernaerts, Antwerp, 21 March 2019, lot 1131 Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
1971 signed, dated and stamped with the artist's seal 'Liu Kuo-Sung 1971 [in Chinese]' lower right ink and colour on paper 100 x 72.5 cm. (39 3/8 x 28 1/2 in.) Executed in 1971.