Chinese Artist Luo Zhongli performs impressively at Clars’ November Fine Estate Auction
Nov. 12, 2007
OAKLAND, Calif – On November 4th, 2007, Clars Auction Gallery brought four works from artist Luo Zhongli (Chinese - B.1948) to the block. The paintings, which came from a private gallery in San Francisco performed impressively, earning over $260,000 fueled in large part by strong international bidding.
Born in the Sichuan Province, Zhongli graduated from the Sichuan Academy of Fine Arts in 1982 then went on to study at the Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium. Zhongli gained international recognition when, in 1981, his oil painting “Father” won first prize at the National Youth Art Exhibition in Beijing. Its exhibition caused a sensation throughout China as “Father” represented Chairman Mao as a weatherbeaten old peasant instead of the vibrant leader he had always been portrayed as. Not only had Zhongli been recognized for his masterful painting but his work was also seen as a rejection of the artificiality of the cultural revolution art. His art reflected the realities of the China he and his generation had lived through.
The first of his works offered, entitled “Memories,” was a signed oil on canvas which sold nicely over estimate for $74,750 placing this work in the 14th highest price realized for the artist at auction. The second work offered, coming to the block with an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000 was “Water Bearer” which sold for $70,200. Following this lot was “Winter Wheat” which performed exceptionally well. Estimated to earn $60,000 on the high side, competitive bidding drove the final sale price to $81,900 resulting in the 12th highest price realized for this artist at auction. The fourth work offered was “Harvesting” which sold for $31,000.
President of Clars Auction Gallery, Redge Martin, was very honored to represent this artist to the world with such strong results. He attributes the success of these offerings in part to the burgeoning economy in China where dollars can now be spent to collect and promote the amazing works held in that country which have been overlooked for far too long.
To view the archived auction catalog, with hammer prices, visit www.LiveAuctioneers.com
