Ink and paper lie at the heart of traditional painting in East Asia but the medium’s influence was not limited to this region. Having arrived in Paris in 1948, French-Chinese artist T’ang Haywen (1927–1991) began propagating the art of Chinese ink painting in the 1960s. He crossed the boundaries of his predecessors and explored the full potential of ink, elevating it to the status of a universal language.

T'ang Haywen saw ink painting as a mode of free expression. He once said, ’My painting is neither figurative nor abstract, nor does it belong to the neo-figurative school. Such classifications seem to me too limited. I seek an art free from constraint, within which I feel free to evolve.’

T'ang's distinct personality, his unique philosophy about life, and his connection with the Chinese literati life led him to express his inner self through an innovative approach, opening up new possibilities of Chinese modern ink painting. T’ang’s work is famous throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe and he has pieces in prominent museums including the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the M+ Museum in Hong Kong.

A pressing sense of 'you only live once' prompted T'ang Haywen to make the most of the time he had, staying true to himself and embracing the world around him. He never stopped travelling, discovering and searching for the unknown. His sensitivity allowed him to convey what he held in his mind and heart, as well as clearly understand the essence of the natural world. From the 1960s onwards, T'ang used ink and watercolour to depict the universe; each uncorrected and instinctive brushstroke carries the breath, touch, speed and weight of the artist.

This season Christie’s Hong Kong will present a selling exhibition of 42 paintings by the artist that span the 1960s and 1970s and embody feelings of joy, freedom, playfulness, elegance, kindness, serenity, melancholy, meaninglessness, and satisfaction that make up the precious human experience.