
Untitled
1971
This striking 1971 work by Ho Kan, titled "Untitled," immediately captures the viewer with its bold interplay of color and form. A monumental central circle dominates the composition, meticulously bisected by a strong vertical axis. To the left, a vibrant expanse of textured pink embraces half of this primary form, while its right counterpart is rendered in a deep, contemplative blue. Within this expansive outer ring, a smaller, concentric circle emerges, itself divided, with a stark white core providing a luminous focal point. The artist's masterful use of mixed technique on paper lends a palpable tactility to the surface, where the granular quality of the pigments imbues the flat planes with remarkable depth and a subtle, almost shimmering effect. Red lines, both precise and fluid, define the geometric contours and extend downwards from the central motif, culminating in an elegant, calligraphic flourish that anchors the composition. Ho Kan, a pivotal figure in the development of Chinese abstract art, demonstrates in this piece his profound ability to synthesize Eastern philosophical principles with Western modernist aesthetics. The vertical division and contrasting yet complementary colors, particularly the pink and blue, evoke a powerful sense of duality and balance, reminiscent of concepts like yin and yang, yet rendered with a distinctly contemporary sensibility. The "Untitled" designation encourages an open-ended interpretation, allowing the viewer to delve into the pure visual language of shape, color, and texture without prescriptive narrative. This work stands as a testament to Ho Kan's innovative approach, where geometric precision meets expressive spontaneity, creating a harmonious dialogue between the structured and the intuitive. It represents a significant moment in the artist's oeuvre, showcasing his unique contribution to global abstraction.
- Medium
- Mixed technique on paper
π¨ Auction Lot
Martini Studio d'Arte: Modern & Contemporary Art (December 2018)
December 20, 2018
Estimate: β¬1,000 to β¬2,000
Lot 104
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