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Phillips Announces Highlights from the Inaugural New Now & Design Auction in Hong Kong
Auction on 26 November to Offer a Diverse Array of Works by In-Demand Artists of the Current Generation Alongside 20th & 21st Century French, Italian and Scandinavian Design
Featured Artists Include Mr., Yuichi Hirako, Fang Yuan, Laurens Legiers, Mehdi Ghadyanloo, Among Others
Angela Tian, Head of New Now & Design Sale, Phillips Hong Kong, said, “‘New Now’ is one of the most successful and iconic auction series held at Phillips. We have held successful ‘New Now’ auctions in New York and London, and are now delighted to hold the first ‘New Now & Design’ sale in Hong Kong. As Phillips continues its expansion in Asia with an enhanced sale calendar for our new headquarters, we are excited to launch this highly anticipated sale series.
Historically, collectors have looked to the ‘New Now’ sales as a guidepost for emerging names that are on the cusp of widespread international acclaim. Staying true to this spirit, our first sale of this kind in Asia will also place a strong focus on the region, connecting Contemporary and Modern artists from China, Japan, Korea and South-East Asia. ‘New Now & Design’ will also bring Contemporary Art into dialogue with some of the very best Design works from the 20th and 21st Century masters. We look forward to welcoming collectors and art enthusiasts to explore our curated selection of international and cross-category works at our preview in Hong Kong, opening 18th of November.”
Coming to auction for the first time, First Time Ever (illustrated page 1) is a unique and early example by the multidisciplinary Japanese artist, Mr., painted in 2007. As one of the most representative artists of his time, Mr.’s earlier works such as First Time Ever focuses on detailed depictions of landscapes and cityscapes, showcasing a painterly aesthetic that is now rare to see. The work features an adolescent girl standing by a riverbank at sunset, accompanied by a creature atop her head, embarking on an unknown adventure. Lush vegetation, distant high-rise buildings, and reflective waters are rendered in intricate details, culminating into a vivid snapshot of a riverbank landscape that recalls well known landmarks such as the Kamo River in Kyoto.
Another highlight of the sale is Lost in Thought 50 by Japanese contemporary artist Yuichi Hirako, one of the most impressive paintings hailing from his Lost in Thought series to appear at auction. Depicted in the foreground of the present work are Hirako’s signature character, the ‘Tree Man’. Existing as half human and half tree, the figure lazes leisurely with his black cat, blending harmoniously into the rich forest that surrounds him. Rendered in bold saturated hues of acrylic paint, Lost in Thought 50 encourages deep introspection, and invites viewers to reconsider their own relationships with nature and the organisms that surround around us.
Visually striking and unapologetically bold, the works of Chinese artist Yuan Fang are highly sought-after. Her works can be understood as the physical representations of memories, emotions, and vulnerability. Known for her dynamic abstractions, her gestural style explores complex human experiences by transforming such concepts into fluid brushstrokes on canvas, recalling the works of abstract expressionist painter Lee Krasner, whom Fang has expressed as one of her influences. In particular, the two share an interest in exploring the interplay between form and colour. Also fresh to auction, the present work unfolds with indomitable force, allowing chaos and unpredictability to permeate with each stroke as it surfaces and coalesces.
Best known for his surrealistically still yet contemplative works, The Eternal Gate is a superlative example of Iranian artist Mehdi Ghadyanloo’s creative output, where the artist transforms a three-dimensional structure onto a two-dimensional canvas, creating a surreal plane that plays with the viewer’s perspectives. Taking inspiration from Giorgio de Chirico’s metaphysical paintings, Ghadyanloo’s style is characterised by his masterful ability in capturing the contrast between lightness and darkness through his implementation of the chiaroscuro technique. Devoid of figures in most of his works, the artist typically renders his utopian compositions with the simple structure of four walls, and injects everyday objects from his daily encounters as his main focal point. The present work was also featured in Ghadyanloo’s solo exhibition Portals of Light at Galleri Golsa in Oslo in 2019.
In addition, the sale features a strong selection of 20th and 21st Century design from designers and manufacturers who stylistically defined the international design landscape. Among them is 'Miroir Pelote', model no. 360 by French designer Hervé van der Straeten. First known for his jewellery designs, Hervé van der Straeten now enjoys international recognition for his strikingly stylish furniture, mirrors, and lighting creations, that are instantly recognizable, from the way that contrasting materials, bold variations of forms and elegant lines are combined with perfect proportions.
Hans Wegner’s China Chair will also be among the auction highlights. Wegner is considered one of the most important and prolific modernists who designed over 500 chairs, and he designed this now-iconic ‘China’ chair after seeing an illustration of an antique round back Chinese chair in a book about chair typologies throughout history. Deeply interested in this model, he obtained his own version of the chair through the East Asiatic Company and went on to design chairs whose form is deeply indebted to Chinese examples. He simplified the form into its most clear and logical design while also utilising the best materials and superb craftsmanship, which is what truly makes it a classic example of Danish Modern design. Other Highlights of New Now & Design
### Auction: 26 November 2023 2pm HKT Public Exhibition: 18-26 November 11am – 7pm HKT Location: G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong Please download images of highlights here. ABOUT PHILLIPS Phillips: where the world’s curious and bold connect with the art, design and luxury that inspires them. As a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century works, Phillips offers dedicated expertise in the areas of Modern and Contemporary Art, Design, Photographs, Editions, Watches, and Jewelry. Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong, with representative offices based throughout Europe, the United States and Asia. Phillips offers a regular selection of live and online auctions, along with items available for immediate purchase. Phillips also offers a range of services and advice on all aspects of collecting, including private sales and assistance with appraisals, valuations, and financial planning. Visit phillips.com for further information. *Estimates do not include buyer’s premium; prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium.
PRESS CONTACTS: HONG KONG – Ingrid Hsu, Public Relations & Communications Director, Asia Ingridhsu@phillips.com +852 2318 2043
PHILLIPS NEW YORK – 432 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022 PHILLIPS LONDON – 30 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6EX PHILLIPS HONG KONG – G/F, WKCDA Tower, West Kowloon Cultural District, No. 8 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong |
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