50 Years New in Asia: The Boundless Horizon of Zao Wou-Ki

In this Expert Voices, Felix Kwok, Head of Modern Art, Asia, takes us through two spectacular paintings by Zao Wou-Ki – 25.03.85 and 11.08.99 - Après l'éclipse – both from the artist’s Infinity Period. In the 1980s, Zao Wou-Ki’s career entered into a new stage known as the Infinity Period. Having the benefit of life experience and richer insight, his creative spirit settled into a serene space, and the artist would draw upon new sources for creative inspiration and missions. He sought to confront the artistic language of earlier masters, paying tribute to art history, and these became the challenges and sources of encouragement shaping the bright, luminous style of his works such as 25.03.85. At the peak of his creative powers in 1999, Zao was again inspired by celestial phenomena to create 11.08.99 - Après l'éclipse. Measuring 2.5 metres in height, this monumental Infinity Period masterpiece was a summation of a passion that motivated Zao for half a century. 11.08.99 - Après l'éclipse and 25.03.85 will be offered in Sotheby's Hong Kong 50th Anniversary Modern Evening Auction on 5 April 2023.