Towards the end of the decade he enters a new phase by transposing his observations on ancient art to the oil on canvas. The shades of the wash subtly fill the light areas that bring the peace and the void that he had always psychologically missed. He chooses for the rest of his image vibrant colors in brushstrokes of great sharpness that he builds like a speedy writing.
The overall effect of 8.11.79 is a mountain range well centered between sky and lake. This painting 90 x 117 cm is small for this artist at that time. It was sold by Christie's on November 25, 2017 for HK $ 50M including premium over a lower estimate of HK $ 12M.
On May 27 in Hong Kong, Phillips sells as lot 5 a 250 x 260 cm oil on canvas painted in 1979, titled 4.1.79.
Composed in three parts like the other example above, this painting which looks from far away like a wash is an almost monochrome abstract mountain in a swirling surrounding of white mist. The closer inspection reveals the brightly colored lines and stains intermingled in the central part that brings to the whole its natural illusion.
Please watch the video shared by Phillips.
SOLD for HK$ 70M including premium
A Zao Wou-Ki giant at @phillipsauction in May #HongKong
— H A P P E N I N G (@Happeningarts) March 23, 2018
—> https://t.co/wtVSs6PBvo pic.twitter.com/xaktapRB3y