MEDIA ALERT | HONG KONG | 9 March 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

   FIRST OPEN│Hong Kong- A Celebration of Diversity and Flair  

A Dynamic Collection of Art from Both Well-Known and Newer Artists

Hong Kong – On March 25 , 2016, Christie’s presents FIRST OPEN│ Hong Kong, which features an excitingly curated mix of global and local talents, engaging both young and established collectors alike with unique art pieces at accessible price ranges. Continuing in the tradition of First Open, the sale forms a global perspective, uniting works across Asian Contemporary art, Post War, international Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern categories.

Dina Zhang Head of Sale commented “With estimates ranging from HKD15,000 to HKD3,500, 000, the sale offers an accessible platform for all buyers looking to invigorate their collections with unique and unexpected works from both iconic artists and newer talents across Asia.”

As a sale able to unite a truly global cross category approach, it provides an international platform for collectors to enrich their collection from different periods and movements. Many of the lots on offer are significant works from acclaimed artists to be found in smaller formats. Works which exemplify this diversity include – Summer #2 by Adolph Gottlieb (estimate HKD1,500,000 to HKD2,500,000, illustrated top left), Composition No. 288 by Chu Teh-Chun (estimate HKD2,200,000 to HKD3,200,000, illustrated top center), Untitled by Tetsuya Ishida (estimate HKD1,800,000 to HKD2,500,000, illustrated top right) and Watermelon by Yayoi Kusama (estimate HKD2,600,000 to HKD3,500,000, illustrated on the title page).

Many pieces from these acclaimed artists are also found in unique mediums and styles in smaller compositions and explore fresh aspects of the artist’s usual repertoire of work. Works such as Yellow River by Yayoi Kusama (estimate HKD 800,000 to HKD1,200,000, illustrated middle left), Le Clown Musicien by Bernard Buffet (estimate HK600,000 to HKD900,000, illustrated middle center) and Girl Crying Over Mondrian by    Liu Ye (estimate HKD100,000 to HKD150,000, illustrated middle right) are leading quality works from iconic artists offered at affordable prices, which are easy to live with and appreciate due to their relatively small size.

Also on offer this season is an array of works from emerging artists across Asia, with a special selection of Hong Kong artists.  Representing local talents are the works- Oh Dear Don’t Be Hooked by Joey Leung (estimate HKD60,000 to HKD80,000, illustrated above), and A Moment of Truth 42 by Wai Pong Yu  (estimate HKD50,000 to HKD70,000, illustrated right). These artists work with unconventional techniques and mediums, championing a stylistic progression from the Chinese ink movement which dominated the previous generation.

 Highlighting Singaporean contemporary art as an emerging collecting category, the sale features works from young artist Ruben Pang with the work Hyperviligance (estimate HKD50,000 to HKD70,000, illustrated left) and #Gift 19 from established artist Donna Ong (estimate HKD60,000 to HKD80,000, illustrated right). Working across mediums and styles, these artists tackle and express their engagement with the contemporary experience. Underscoring Christie’s commitment to providing an international platform for artists from the Southeast Asian region, the selection provides a glimpse into the vibrant landscape of contemporary art in Singapore.

FIRST OPEN │ Hong Kong

│ 21 - 25 March Public Viewing│

│ 25 March Auction at 15:00   │ 

│ The James Christie Room, 22^nd Floor, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong│