MEDIA ALERT | HONG KONG |21 September 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Announcing THE PIONEERS, A Special Sale

Auction of Works Visionary Legends

Hong Kong – Crowning Christie’s 250^th global anniversary, a first-of-its-kind auction in Asia will take place on 26 November in celebration of pioneering modern and contemporary Asian artists who ushered in an era of artistic evolution and innovation.

The sale titled: The Pioneers, will form a standalone chapter of this autumn’s evening sale and present to collectors a meticulously curated selection of master works. These artists were the trailblazers of their era, influencing global perspectives on art and shaping the path of 20th and 21st Century Asian art. Avant-garde artists such as Sanyu, Zhang Daqian, Zao Wou-ki, Wu Guanzhong, Lin Fengmian and Kim Whan-ki made a huge impact not only on the cultural movements contemporary to their times, but also on shifting and framing the social, cultural and artistic narratives for subsequent generations.

Many of these artists of the century lived and studied abroad, immersing themselves with the cultural influences and techniques of the West. It was here in their adopted homes where they forged a new path, blending western and eastern techniques, giving birth to a unique and innovative style. They brought Asian art to the world stage, and inspired a new following of western art in the East. 

Rebecca Wei, President, Christie’s Asia, commented, “Our 250th global anniversary presents the perfect time to host such a sale, with our Hong Kong salesroom providing the ideal platform for these legendary artists. Hong Kong, as a point of confluence between Western and Eastern philosophies, has always resonated with the pioneering spirit of these artists, and guides us in the region to continually innovate and evolve our curatorial offerings”.  

Jonathan Stone, Chairman, Asian Art, commented, “Straddling cultures, these artists propelled avant-garde art in their respective periods, embracing new techniques and expressions while staying aligned to their cultural identities. Hosting the sale in Hong Kong stays true to our continued belief in championing innovation and presenting on the world stage artists of the highest cultural and artistic accomplishment”.

Notes to Editors:

THE PIONEERS SALE

Auction: 26 November 2016

Venue : James Christie’s Room, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, No. 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai

PRESS CONTACT: Lee Bingle | +852 2978 9966| lbingle@christies.com