Lot Essay
In 1999, preeminent Hong Kong artist Michael Lau exhibited an installation of ninety-nine hand-crafted figures entitled Gardener at the Hong Kong Art Centre. These twelve-inch figures established the innovative concept of "art toys". In the article 20 Trends Sweeping the Globe featured in the 2008 Forbes magazine, it credited Lau as the inventor who masterminded the vinyl-figure craze. His artistic output was shifted to painting and sculpture in the recent years. In March 2016, his solo exhibition What! We:Want opened at the Times Square in Hong Kong.
The large scale painting Wall of Jordan (Lot 153) was created by Michael Lau for the 30th Anniversary of the Jordan Brand. The style of this work is an extension of Lau’s idiosyncratic characterisation, exaggerated imageries, and humorous narrative. The piece continued to evolve as Lau took suggestions and inspirations from public figures and celebrities via his Weibo. This practice highlights the interactivity between art and the society. I t also serves as strategy for the artist to break away from his personal style. Michael Jordan signed the piece during his tour in China- it is an embodiment and visual representation of the Jordan Attitude.
The proceeds of sale of Lot 153 will be donated to Youth Outreach by the seller. Founded in 1991, Youth Outreach chiefly serves the youth population in areas of crisis prevention and personal development. Jordan Brand has pledged to upgrade Youth Outreach's basketball court in Sai Wai Ho and provide athletes with equipment as well as training. Their goal is to promote positivity amongst youth through the participation in sports and to help them to achieve their goals.
The large scale painting Wall of Jordan (Lot 153) was created by Michael Lau for the 30th Anniversary of the Jordan Brand. The style of this work is an extension of Lau’s idiosyncratic characterisation, exaggerated imageries, and humorous narrative. The piece continued to evolve as Lau took suggestions and inspirations from public figures and celebrities via his Weibo. This practice highlights the interactivity between art and the society. I t also serves as strategy for the artist to break away from his personal style. Michael Jordan signed the piece during his tour in China- it is an embodiment and visual representation of the Jordan Attitude.
The proceeds of sale of Lot 153 will be donated to Youth Outreach by the seller. Founded in 1991, Youth Outreach chiefly serves the youth population in areas of crisis prevention and personal development. Jordan Brand has pledged to upgrade Youth Outreach's basketball court in Sai Wai Ho and provide athletes with equipment as well as training. Their goal is to promote positivity amongst youth through the participation in sports and to help them to achieve their goals.