Wu Guanzhong was 17 when Lu Xun died of tuberculosis in 1936. He could not have the opportunity of a direct meeting with the polemicist but this mentor was to influence his remarkable artistic career. Wu knew to resist the political persecution and to introduce the techniques and styles of the West into the Chinese art world.
One of Wu's specialties was the landscape, away from traditional Chinese art by a compliance to perspective, the observation of the geometrical structure and the use of oil paint. Compared to Europeans, he brings the Chinese taste for sharp lines and brightly contrasting colors.
Wu was also a provincial, born in Yixing in the Yangzi Delta. In 1974, a government commission shared with three other artists to illustrate the scenery along that river is a proof of his return to favor.
The similarities between Shaoxing and Yixing are delighting Wu, excited to realize a landscape painting in honor to Lu Xun. Wu climbs a hill above Shaoxing and chooses a bird's view of an island accessible by boat that has retained its authenticity. A study in oil on board 46 x 61 cm painted in 1977 is estimated HK $ 30M for sale by Sotheby's in Hong Kong on October 2, lot 1024.
Beyond a scenery Wu wished to express the human life. Shaoxing is enlivened in this painting by the presence of small colored spots and a few boats. His views of traditional villages are highly appreciated. The Zhou Village inscribed in a bold oval was sold for HK $ 236M including premium by Poly in April 2016.
SOLD for HK$ 40M including premium
The Modern & Contemporary Asian Art Evening sale starts at 5pm PST, feat. Wu Guanzhong’s 'The Hometown Of Lu Xun,' check back for updates! pic.twitter.com/AGJBfcLp1s
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) October 2, 2016