7 things to know about FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong

Specialists Dina Zhang and Marcello Kwan are your guides to the 25 March sale that offers collectible new artists alongside accessibly priced works from blue-chip names

1. Who is the sale aimed at? 

New buyers and experienced collectors who are looking to add interesting pieces to their collections.

Zao Wou-Ki (Zhao Wuji, French/Chinese, 1920-2013), Composition 1954, 1954. Watercolour on paper. 22 x 27 cm. (8 5/8 x 10 5/8 in.) Estimate: HK$260,000-350,000 / US$34,000-45,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

2. What kind of works will be on offer?

FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong offers cutting-edge art from collectible new artists alongside ‘undervalued’, lesser-known works from blue-chip names such as Pablo Picasso, Zao Wou-ki, Chu Teh-chun, Bernard Buffet, Zeng Fanzhi, Liu Ye, Yu Youhan, Adolph Gottlieb, Georges Mathieu, Shozo Shimamoto, Yoshimoto Nara, Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami, Tetsuya Ishida, KAWS and many others. Among these are works that have been part of private collections for many years and are therefore fresh to market.

KXX (Kea Tsai, Chinese, B. 1980), Recalcitrant Mind Between the Street and the Soul, 2015. Mixed media sculpture. 183 x 137 cm. (72 x 53 7/8 in.) Estimate: HK$120,000-180,000 / US$16,000-23,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

Within the sale, there are three distinct curatorial themes. The first, Smaller is Beautiful, is a grouping of miniature and moderately scaled artworks in an array of different mediums, from paintings, prints and clay sculptures to limited edition toy-like sculptures. These pieces are perfect for displaying in all kinds of living spaces.

Yu Youhan (Chinese, B. 1943), Abstract 1994-12, 1994. Oil on canvas. 86.2 x 76.2 cm. (34 x 30 in.) Estimate: HK$1,000,000-1,600,000 / US$130,000-210,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

Redefining abstract is a smaller selection of abstract artworks that signal the historical influence of modern art and yet remain resolutely contemporary.

We are also excited to present the work of New and Emerging Asian artists from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China, Japan and beyond. While many of these cutting edge artists will be new to the auction market, they are all critically and commercially renowned.

3. How does the FIRST OPEN offering differ from other sales of modern and contemporary art in HK? 

FIRST OPEN has a more international feel, combining works from Impressionist & Modern Art, Post-War & Contemporary and the Asian 20th Century & Contemporary departments. Unlike our other auctions, FIRST OPEN also features artists who are new to the art auction market.

Georges Mathieu (France, 1921-2012), Magnes, 1967.  Oil on canvas. 89 x 146 cm. (35 x 57 1/2 in.) Estimate: HK$950,000-1,400,000 / US$130,000-180,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

4. What is the price range?

The 87 lots have estimates that range from HKD 15,000 to HKD 2,600,000.

Yayoi Kusama (Japanese, B. 1929), Watermelon, 1981. Cloth, acrylic on canvas. 72.7 x 91 cm. (28 5/8 x 35 7/8 in.) Estimate: HK$2,600,000-3,500,000 / US$340,000-450,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

5. Why are some of the works by the more famous artists in the sale offered at lower estimates than I might expect?

As well as smaller sized and ‘undervalued’ works, some works by big name artists might be experimentations in unconventional mediums or techniques.

Liu Ye (Chinese, B. 1964), Crying Over Mondrian, 2000. Watercolour on paper. 32 x 24 cm. (12 5/8 x 9 1/2 in.) Estimate: HK$100,000-150,000 / US$13,000-19,000. This work is offered in FIRST OPEN | Hong Kong on 25 March at Christie’s in Hong Kong

6. Who should I speak to if I have a question about a work? 

Feel free to come to our Christie’s Hong Kong office on the 22nd floor of Alexandra House where our specialists will be glad to assist you. During the preview showing of the works in the auction, Christie’s specialists from all over the world will be in Hong Kong to answer your questions.

7. How easy is it for me to bid?

The process may seem complicated but it is very straightforward. You have the choice of bidding over the phone, by absentee bid, bidding online or in person in the saleroom. First time bidders are required to pay a deposit (based on low or high priced items). Our staff at the auction site will be able to help you, or we advise contacting Christie’s Client Services (+852 2760 1766, 9.30am-6pm local time) for further inquiries.

 

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