亞洲現代與當代藝術 Modern and Contemporary Asian Art

232
Walasse TING
(Chinese-American, 1929 - 2010)
Warm Sun
1961
Oil on canvas
100 x 150 cm
Signed on the reverse Ting in English, titled WARM SUN inscribed
100 x 150 and dated 61
PROVENANCE
Galerie Birch, Copenhagen, Denmark
Bruun Rasmussen Auction, Copenhagen, Denmark
1961
100 x 150 cm
WARM SUN 100 x 150 Ting 61
NT$ 2,600,000-3,600,000
HK$ 701,000-970,000
US$ 89,600-124,000
RMB 564,000-781,000
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During his long and extraordinary art career, Walasse Ting created
countless masterpieces. Skillfully using a profusion of vibrant colors
along with the ink brush, he became famous for outlining the
sensuality of the female body. Ting’s naturally unrestrained romantic
disposition had shown throughout his career - from the abstract
expressionism in the 1950s to the unrestrained romanticism after
the 70s. His works faithfully displayed his unique style.
In 1958, Walasse Ting moved to New York. In the 60s, abstract
expressionism was at its peak in the United States, and pop art
had also started to emerge. At that time, Ting became close
friends with Sam Francis, the American expressionist painter who
infused European humanist traditions, and welcomed the wave
of abstract expressionism. Abstract expressionism didn’t aim to
achieve a figurative depiction of things. Instead, it conveyed all
kinds of emotions through points, lines, surface, colors, and shapes,
particularly fitting special characteristics. Pop art is an affirmation
of the present and cultural affinities. It captured Walasse Ting’s
interest as it represented everything captivating and popular.
After the 60s, New York’s fast pace and futuristic outlook inspired
the artist to use acrylic paints and fluorescent colors. His style
began moving towards bright Western shades. His splashing and
dripping technique looked effortless, and became a major feature
of abstract expressionism. The vivid colors and decorative style of
Matisse’s fauvism also exerted a subtle influence on Walasse Ting’s
flamboyant features.
Warm Sun was created in 1961. This work is a perfect representation
of the artist’s exploration and practice during those years. It serves
as one of the rare paintings from Ting’s phase of abstract painting.
The image seems as if it was created by arbitrarily splashing paint.
The sunshine rays seem painted onto canvas by waving a knife
instead of a brush. The viewer is provided with a flying, carefree
and unrestrained visual impact. A stream of emotions hides an
Eastern spirituality and a highly explosive force. The leaping stripes
of red cover a large yellow patch, revealing the artist’s personality
and whims. Verdant green strokes present the tension of life in full
bloom between rough and smooth layers. The influence of abstract
expressionism had a significant cultural impact on Walasse Ting,
changing his forms of expression and technique. Such talent gives
birth to a distinctive and outstanding art style.
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