Sam Francis, Walasse Ting & Ayako Rokkaku: Perpetual Colours
Exhibition Open to the Public from 6 – 20 September 2018
HONG KONG – 22 August 2018 – Phillips, specialist auctioneers in modern and contemporary art, brings a burst of colour to Phillips’ Hong Kong Gallery from 6-20 September 2018. With over 30 works, the selling exhibition will feature works by three important artists: Sam Francis, Walasse Ting and Ayako Rokkaku. Drawn from different origins, generations, eras and techniques, these three artists reveal a similar passion and commonality in their use of colour.
Miety Heiden, Deputy Chairman and Head of Private Sales, said “‘Perpetual Colours’ will bring a selection of Sam Francis’ iconic works showcasing his long lasting connection to the use of light and colour and resulting in rich and vibrant abstract works. Alongside Sam Francis, we will also be offering works by his lifelong friend and fellow artist, Walasse Ting. Similar to Francis, Walasse Ting is skilled in his application of colour. Framing these 20th century masters is Ayako Rokkaku, an artist of today’s generation. In Rokkaku’s painting adolescent children with long arms and wide-open eyes are depicted in the Japanese style of ‘Anime’, a style which is emphasized by the use of bright colours, shapes and simple detailing.”
“Interest in the visual arts that straddle the cultures of Asia and overseas has never been stronger, and the paintings offered in this exhibition continue an important cross-geographical dialogue in today’s art market,” said Jonathan Crockett, Deputy Chairman and Head of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Asia. “Our strong results at auction have prompted us to offer artworks outside the traditional auction season and this exhibition responds to the growth in demand and appreciation for high quality works of art in Asia.”
American artist Sam Francis (1923 – 1994) occupies a prominent position in post-war American painting. It is through his use of the space on the canvas, bold colour and light that Francis developed his own recognisable style of painting.
Walasse Ting (1929 – 2010), the self-proclaimed “Flower Thief”, brings romance, passion and eroticism to his whimsical paintings by incorporating traditional Chinese painting techniques without allowing them to dominate the artworks. There is a carelessness and spontaneity in Ting’s works, resulting in lively and joyful compositions that often depict women, flowers, birds and nature.
Ayako Rokkaku started painting in 2002, developing her own painting technique by applying acrylic paint onto cardboard sheets using only her bare hands. Rokkaku keeps a diary on the internet which gives the reader a unique opportunity to peek inside the inner thoughts of the young Japanese artist. Rokkaku’s innocent portraits, uninterrupted by any background detail, form the essence of her work. The power of her direct approach can also be observed during her 'performance paintings' which she creates live at art fairs. For the audience witnessing one of her performance paintings, there is a rare opportunity to be part of her world.
Phillips has a reputation for supporting arts and culture through its global programme of Arts Partnerships. One of Ayako Rokkaku’s artworks, created especially for this exhibition in Hong Kong, will be donated to Hong Kong NGO Para Site to support their work in promoting the arts in Hong Kong.
Sam Francis, Walasse Ting & Ayako Rokkaku: Perpetual Colours
Exhibition: 6 – 20 September 2018
Public Viewing: Monday – Friday 10:00 – 18:00 | Saturdays by Appointment Only
Location: 14/F St. George’s Building, 2 Ice House Street Central Hong Kong
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ABOUT PHILLIPS X
PHILLIPS X is a dynamic exhibition platform at the forefront of contemporary art, design and culture. Through ongoing curated programming and immersive exhibitions, coupled with superior private sales, PHILLIPS X goes above and beyond to highlight the work of notable artists and innovators of the 20th and 21st centuries.
ABOUT PHILLIPS
Phillips is a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design. With dedicated expertise in the areas of 20th Century and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry, Phillips offers professional services and advice on all aspects of collecting. Auctions and exhibitions are held at salerooms in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, while clients are further served through representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips also offers an online auction platform accessible anywhere in the world. In addition to providing selling and buying opportunities through auction, Phillips brokers private sales and offers assistance with appraisals, valuations, and other financial services.
Visit www.phillips.com for further information.
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