Christie's Shanghai Preview to Feature Modern and Contemporary Masters

Christie's Hong Kong's 40th anniversary celebrations in Asia begin on March 27 and 28 with 20th and 21st-century auctions. The Christie's Shanghai preview will feature works by modern and contemporary masters like Zao Wou-ki, Sanyu and Gerhard Richter from March 7-9.

"Abstract Bild" by Gerhard Richter is a powerful piece from his most famous series. Richter's signature squeegee technique creates a warm, intense canvas of vivid crimson. This painting is one of a few red-dominated works Richter created in the early 1990s, a pivotal period in his career. Only 27 remain, with three in major museums.

Another highlight is Zao Wou-ki's rare and powerful "18.03.63" from his most sought-after "Wild Grass" period. The painting shows Zao's blend of Eastern ink and Western abstraction. Earthy tones and a tripartite arrangement evoke the layered depth of Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) landscape paintings. Zao's ability to convey spiritual stillness and philosophical depth through abstraction was showcased at London's Redfern Gallery in 1963.

Christie's Shanghai will host an International Women's Day exhibition alongside the preview. Tracey Emin, Cecily Brown, Yayoi Kusama, Liang Yuanwei, Cheng Xinyi and Song Kun are among 13 celebrated female artists from East and West featured in "Celebrating Women: A Visual Dialogue of Her Narratives."

Despite their diverse cultural backgrounds and styles, these artists draw inspiration from body, emotion and desire. They demonstrate the transformation of women into "active voices" who share their stories, as opposed to mere objects of observation in art history.

Each piece shows women's power, whether portraiture, still life or abstraction. They depict women's complex inner lives with beautiful brushstrokes.

Cheng Xinyi's early work "Coiffeur" explores interpersonal dynamics, presenting an ambiguous narrative charged with psychological tension. The razor-sharp scene contrasts sharply with the artist's signature soft pastel palette, enveloping the composition in dreamlike and melancholic poetry.

"Pumpkin" marks a critical moment in the career of internationally famous Yayoi Kusama. The subject of pumpkin also serves as her personal portrait, alter ego and spiritual totem. She sees in it a beauty that is generous and unpretentious – wild in its growth, rough on the surface, yet warm within. Pumpkin remains one of the most vivid expressions of her inner world.

Date: March 7-9, 10am-5pm

Venue: Christie's Shanghai Art Space

Address: 4/F, Zhongshan Rd E1

中山东一路4楼

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