Untitled 08-4-8, Zeng Fanzhi, 2008, oil on canvas, 260 x 360 cm. (in 2 panels). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2011.
Being There
HONG KONG–Christie's auction house and the Rockbund Art Museum, the contemporary art showcase in Shanghai, will present “BEING” (界線的共鳴), an exhibition featuring approximately 30 paintings by Zeng Fanzhi. Sponsored by the François Pinault Foundation and focused on a theme close to the artist’s heart – the interaction between people and the environment – the exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in May 2011, coinciding with Christie’s spring auctions at the same site.
Zeng Fanzhi will reportedly select one work estimated at HK$10 million for auction at Christie’s Asian Contemporary Art & Chinese 20th Century Art Evening Sale on May 28. Proceeds from the sale of his painting will go to The Nature Conservancy. In addition, Christie's will waive its commission.
François Pinault noted, “Whether drawing from abstract or figurative paths, whether resounding in expressionist or meditative tones, works by Zeng Fanzhi derive their exceptional power from a permanent tension between memory and the present, between a strong historical legacy and a contemporary reality that is constantly shifting.”
The Nature Conservancy works around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. At present, the Conservancy is involved in more than 30 countries across the globe addressing threats to conservation involving climate change, fresh water, forests, and marine ecosystems.
The Nature Conservancy commenced work in China in 1998, in a partnership with the Chinese government, and together has launched a number of important initiatives including mapping out China’s biodiversity, promoting sustainable forest management and forest restoration, strengthening the nature reserve system, combating climate change, protecting the Yangtze River, as well as many projects working to protect the natural and cultural heritage of northwest Yunnan’s “Three Parallel Rivers” area. The artist serves on the Board of Trustees of the Conservancy's China Program. To visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web, go to www.nature.org and www.tnc.org.cn (source: Christie's press release, March 11, 2011).
-TOA
