Conroy Wyman Galleries - Yunnan Art School Artists

Contemporary Chinese Yunnan Heavy Color Art blog.

[yunnanart]

I have a serigraph on rice paper by what looks like Ting Shao Quang or a copyist of his Xishuangbanna period. Same colors and similar images. I purchased it from a dealer who had traveled to China in the early 1990s and returned with quite a few serigraphs/woodblock prints for sale. Can I send you an image for your opinion if it may be an authentic print? We framed it, and I'm not sure there is a signature or if we simply knuckle-headedly framed over the signature.

Hello there, yes please email me some photos to [email protected] and I would be happy to take a look

Best regards

Conroy

[yunnanart]

i see you studied or know somethings about Ting. I came across this piece. Do you know anything about it?

Melquan [email protected]

The image is in his style. What size is the artwork without the frame? Do you know where this painting was discovered?

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Notable Jiang Tiefeng paintings that resurfaced in 2022

Earth Mother, 41″x 41″, dated 1985, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

Boy, 8″x 8″, dated 1992, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

A Blissful Day, 41″x 41″, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

Moon in the Water, 20 1/2″x 20 1/2″, dated 1988, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

Untitled, 12″x 12″, dated 1994, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

Untitled, 41″x 41″, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

Untitled, 12″x 18″, dated 1999, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

White Swan, 41″x 41″, dated 1986, Chinese stone paint on rice paper by Jiang Tiefeng

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Notable Paintings Resurfacing in 2018

In 2018, very few yunnan heavy color artworks resurfaced.  Below are some of the notable ones:

Peaceful Moments, 40″ x 40″, paint on paper by Ting Shao Kuang, dated 1984

Bronze Series 1, paint on paper by Liu Shaohui dated 1980

Melody, 41″ x 41″, paint on paper by Ting Shao Kuang dated 1986

Girl with Fruit, 28″ x 36″ oil on canvas by Zhou Ling

Lei Sellers, 33 1/2″ x 35 1/2″, oil on canvas by Zhou Ling

Lei Makers, 32″ x 40″, oil on canvas by Zhou Ling

For more images on the world’s most talented Contemporary Chinese Yunnan / Heavy Color Artists, please check out: www.cwgalleries.com, or follow me at: www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt

[yunnanart]

Hi, was wondering if you might know the artist of this lithograph?  I can't read the signature.  Thanks so much for any help.

This looks to be an artwork of an artist by the name of Yamin Young.

[yunnanart]

Top 12 Contemporary Chinese Yunnan Artworks Resurfacing in 2017 after 30 Years in Private Collections

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

The demand for collecting Contemporary Chinese Yunnan artworks has definitely oscillated over the past 10 years.  The tastes of collectors have certainly become more particular, with notable focus placed around artworks created by the original 5 yunnan artists (Ting Shao Kuang, He Neng, Zhou Ling, He Deguang, and Jiang Tiefeng) and 2 yunnan affiliated artists (Lu Hong and Chen Yongle) .  For 2017, I witnessed a trend in art collectors where long time collectors were either  interested to hold onto their early works from 30 years ago, and/or were adding early works to their collections.  I’ve selected the below artworks as notable artworks: some having been published as limited edition serigraphs while others were previously undocumented discoveries of 2017.

June Bride, 41” x 41”, Paint on paper by Ting Shao Kuang dated 1988

Moonlight, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by Ting Shao Kuang dated 1988

Dreaming, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by Lu Hong dated 1987

The Flute Player, 40” x 40 1/2”, Paint on paper by He Neng dated 1987

Mirage in a Dream, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by He Neng dated 1988

Waterfront, 40” x 55.5”, Paint on paper by He Neng dated 1986

Untitled, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by He Neng dated 1988

Spirit of Flower, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by Zhou Ling dated 1988

Untitled, 40” x 40”, Paint on paper by He Deguang dated 1989

Woman Portrait, 20” x 20”, Paint on paper by Jiang Tiefeng dated 1987

Women with Sailboats, 20” x 20”, Paint on paper by Jiang Tiefeng dated 1988

2 Women with Sailboats, 20” x 20”, Paint on paper by Jiang Tiefeng dated 1988

For those interested to learn more about Contemporary Chinese Art, please check out the rest of my blog posts, check out my website at www.cwgalleries.com, or join my facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt

[yunnanart]

Hi Kathy Thank you for your Inquiry. As you know , master ting's works are popular in the art world. There are many artists that reproduce his images, especially in the 1990's and 2000s. I am familiar with the originals that inspired these reproductions. Based on the images you sent, these are 100% reproduction pieces. With that said, they would look beautiful on your walls. Best regards Conroy

>Hi I purchased two original artworks from an art gallery in Beijing in 2000. They are both painted with colourful gouache paints and ink on black rice paper. I am led to believe they may be the earlier works of Ting Shao Kuang entitled 'Sea and Wind' and 'Bird Song' - images attached. They are beautiful and very colourful but not signed! They are unframed and been rolled up for 17 years! How do I find out if they are the works of Shao Kuang? I'd appreciate your advise. Many thanks Kathy

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Yunnan art

Dear Sir, I have a collection of Yunnan art from the Painter Pan Minjia. I have 69 different paintings. Can you give me an advise? Best regards Bernd Schneider

Hi berms, thank you for your message. I have not come across this artist in my study of yunnan art. He may be a new artist painting in this old style . Good luck, Con

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For all you Ting Shao Kuang fans, Master Ting is making a rare public appearance for a lecture on April 8, 2017 in the City of Industry, CA, USA. (Lecture will be in Chinese and admission is free) For more information about Contemporary Chinese Yunnan art and more, fan us at: www.facebook.com/contemporarychineseart or check out our gallery at: www.cwgalleries.com

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Conroy Wyman Galleries - Yunnan Art School Artists turned 7 today!

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Totem Poles Originated from China? by Conroy Wyman Shum

While studying more about Contemporary Chinese Yunnan art, I was intrigued by numerous depictions of totem poles that represent the diverse cultures of the minority tribes, (including the Wa and Yi cultures) that live in Southern China.  Contemporary Chinese artists like He Neng and He Deguang, who developed their heavy color art styles while living in Yunnan during the Cultural Revolution, captured totem poles in their paintings.

Southern Wings, by He Deguang dated 1988 & Untitled, by He Neng dated 1988

It would seem atypical to associate totem poles with China, but rather, more commonplace to imagine many of the artistic examples of figures, animals and other symbols carved in wooden totem poles by the Native Americans and Eskimos of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  But is there any possible connections between those from Asia vs those from the Americas?

Determining whether or not the Native American and Eskimo totems have been influenced from Asia will rely on the dedication of anthropologists, archaeologists and other scientific researchers as more discoveries are found and the evidence is evaluated by these experts.  What modern day technologies have revealed through DNA testing at least, is that the Eskimo and Native American population show a strong connected lineage to those living in Asia, and particularly to the indigenous people from Australia and Melanesia.  A vast number of researchers agree that the indigenous people of the Americas crossed the Bering Straits (ice bridge), that involved at least several separate migrations.

Discoveries supporting a possible connection, include the trove of artifacts that were discovered in 1986, by workers in Southern China (Sichuan Province which neighbors Yunnan).  The discoveries provide some evidence that totem poles likely existed long ago.  These mask-like artifacts which were posted on the top of poles, were made of bronze, and associated with the ancient Sanxingdui civilization, a culture dating back 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. As we continue to make more discoveries and develop a deeper understanding of humanity, I have to ask, isn’t our human history fascinating?

For more information on Contemporary Chinese art, please check out our website, www.cwgalleries.com or fan us at www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt

[yunnanart]

Hi There. I bought an original Jiang Tiefeng (or at least I was told that by the Art Gallery I purchased it from in Hawaii) somewhere between 1986 and 1990 when I was on vacation. The problem is I lost the authentication paperwork which had the name of the painting along with info on media used, but I believe it was watercolor on paper. The painting is small and measures 8 x 10, in a 20 x 21 frame. Is there any way I can get this painting re-authenticated? It's a woman and a horse.

Hi there, thank you for your inquiry. Please send me a few close up photos and especially the signature block to my email, [email protected] and I can take a closer look at your Jiang artwork to confirm its authenticity. Best regards, Conroy shum

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Top 10 Contemporary Chinese Yunnan Artworks Resurfacing in 2016 after 20 years in Private Collections

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

Collecting Contemporary Chinese Yunnan artworks hit its pinnacle in the late 80′s and early 90′s.  To get a glimpse of these long created artworks, it’s difficult to find a public venue to study and admire these types of artworks.  For newer enthusiasts, many resort to seeking out written publications and catalog raisonnes, while others have to admire images stored online.  The good news is, every year, long collected artworks resurface, and the following are my favorite previously undocumented discoveries of 2016.

(pictured above is a rare Ting Shao Kuang painting from 1999)

(pictured above is an early work from Chen Chongping from 1991) 

(pictured above is an original He Deguang painting titled “Jinge Assasinates Qin” from 1989)

(pictured above is a religious work from Chen Yongle from 1990)

(pictured above is a colorful representation from Jiang Tiefeng titled “Dance” from 1989)

(pictured above is a scenic seascape from Jiang Tiefeng “Deep Ocean” from 1999)

(pictured above is an early Ting Shao Kuang painting titled “Peaceful Harmony” from 1986)

(pictured above is an early work from Zhou Ling titled “Blue River” from the mid 80s)

(pictured above is an original Wang Yu Lui from 1992)

(pictured above is an heavy color artwork by Lu Hong titled “Maid and Death” from 1990)

For those interested to learn more about Contemporary Chinese Art, please check out the rest of my blog posts, check out my website at www.cwgalleries.com, or join my facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt

[yunnanart]

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

Welcome to the Year of the Monkey!

According to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, 2016 marks the Year of the Monkey.  The Monkey plays an important role in Chinese folklore, and is a common theme depicted in both Chinese traditional as well as Chinese contemporary art.

Many of these religious folklore, describe the monkey to be our human ancestor.  These mythical creatures were said to possess supernatural powers.  They could talk, and shapeshift between a monkey and a human.   Aside from Chinese folklore, the monkey is also prevalent in Tibetan and Indian mythology.

It’s probably no surprise then, that people born in the year of the Monkey, are characterized as intelligent, witty, and clever.   In fact, the scientific community has asserted that there is a comparative link between humans and monkeys (chimpanzees to be specific).

These creatures are known to display social behavior, and possess other traits that are similar to humans. For one, they have the ability to walk upright as well as communicate verbally and through facial expressions. Like humans, they are omnivores, eating fruits and vegetables, as well as meat.  Even more compelling, is our common ability to use tools to support our daily lives.    

Based on the fossil records, the paleontology world believe that humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor from about 5-7 million years ago.  Interestingly, humans and chimpanzees shared 99% of the same DNA.  Check out the latest hominid (human ancestors) discoveries by Dr. Lee Berger in South Africa, called, Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba, which may eventually prove to be further linkage between our current species, Homo sapien, and our more primitive ancestors.

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He Deguang: The Evolution of Yunnan Heavy Color Art – 30 Years Later!

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

Over 30 years have passed since the early pioneers of “Yunnan Art” first received recognition for their uniquely distinct use of heavy color techniques on rice paper to depict imagery inspired by the vibrancy of the minority tribes and natural habitat indicative of Yunnan, a province located in the south part of China.  While many artists can be associated with this “Yunnan Art” style, He Deguang and 4 other early contemporaries were most notably recognized in the West as the 5 original Yunnan artists.  The other 4 artists include established artists: Ting Shao Kuang, Jiang Tiefeng, Zhou Ling, and He Neng.  Countless publications have been written about these artists, depicting their artworks as well as their difficult journey developing their young professional careers during the time of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

In spite of the challenges these artists faced, these 5 artists along with other earlier contemporaries set out to innovate and create something unique, applying water based pigments onto traditional rice paper.  These artists were probably unaware at the time they embarked on this journey, of the longevity and legacy that their experimentation would birth.  They had produced a distinct style that resembled neither traditional Chinese ink paintings nor modern oil paintings as it had been practiced in China, which stirred considerable excitement in China as well as the West.  Modern art students and graduates of today, are now employing some of these original heavy color techniques to depict modern imagery and other abstract and expressive creations.   

As the past 3 decades have shown great progress, from the original artists to the younger artists of today, He Deguang’s style too, has continued to mature and evolve over his career.  His early artworks often depicted minority tribe females and leveraged loose but intentional lines to separate various images/sections of his paintings, and displayed an array of sophisticated colors within those lines, while utilizing a layering effect where lines and images seem to overlap one another. 

“Water”, 41″ x 60″, acrylic on rice paper by He Deguang dated 1987

 In his latest works, his use of lines has only become more refined and the images depicted have more separation, while he continues to paint with multiple colors and now uses a more bold and bright palette.  

Consistent throughout his career, He Deguang has been deliberate in flattening his images onto a single surface; which is most pronounced in his earliest works.  His style is unmistakably unique. There is difference between art that is pretty and art that is beautiful, and He Deguang’s creations fall within the later.

During the height of the “Yunnan Art” craze during the late 80’s to mid 90’s, many Contemporary Chinese artists attempted to paint in the heavy color technique, to meet the demand of voracious galleries and collectors.  However, very few of them actually took the time to make meaningful contributions to the art form, and in fact, after several years of little innovation, many of these artists simply fell back to their original style.  But what separates He Deguang from these other artists and what makes He Deguang’s art particularly so special, is his relentless dedication to the heavy color style.  While he has experimented with other forms of painting throughout his career, he still spends his energies developing and furthering the use of heavy color techniques. 

Aside from his artistic talents, I believe He Deguang exemplifies great personal qualities.  Having the opportunity to spend time with the artist, He Deguang impressed me as a humble human being.  He was gracious with his time, opening his home and studio to me while being my personal curator of his newest artworks.  His openness in sharing about his artistic journey, has only deepened my love and appreciation for his art and specialness of Yunnan art’s origin.   

For the serious heavy color art collector, a comprehensive collection wouldn’t be as rich and authentic, without a representative work of this Contemporary Chinese master.  His style is memorable and unmistakably distinct.  His valuable contributions to Yunnan Art, is helping to spawn an entire generation of new heavy color artists.

Conroy Wyman Shum, JD, Silicon Valley Technology Executive, Founder of Conroy Wyman Galleries, and Contemporary Chinese Art Blogger

www.cwgalleries.com

www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt

http://yunnanart.tumblr.com

[yunnanart]

"Bringers of Good Fortune" - Lu Hong's Latest Series

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

With the end of 2013 nearing and the 2014 year beginning, it's time to bring good fortune to everyone!  Contemporary Chinese Artist, Lu Hong's, 卢虹, most recent series showcases his masterful interpretation of 8 symbols of good fortune, called "Astamangaladravya".

For those of you interested to learn what "Astamangaladravya" is, it is one of the more important groups of early Tibetan Buddhist symbols called the eight auspicious substances. These symbols represent bringers of good fortune, and include: 1. A mirror, 2. Precious medicine, 3. Yogurt or curds, 4. Durva grass, 5., Bilva fruit, 6. A white conch shell, 7. Cinnabar or vermilion powder, and 8. Mustard seed.  These symbols represent offerings that were presented to the Buddha as symbols of his Eightfold Noble Path of right view, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and meditation.  These substances were later deified in Vajrayana Buddhism to form a group of eight offering goddesses.

I hope you enjoy Lu Hong's artworks.  For more information about this artist or other Chinese Contemporary Heavy Color artists, please check out our site, www.cwgalleries.com, fan our page at: www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt, or follow us at: www.pinterest.com/ArtContemporary.

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Fakes, Fakes and More Fakes! Buyers, Beware, in fact just Be Aware!

By Conroy Wyman Shum, JD

Lately, I’ve been getting quite a number of inquiries regarding Ting Shao Kuang paintings.  Unfortunately, 100% of these inquiries have resulted in no discoveries of original artworks.  While there is no full proof way to discern an original from a fake, there are many indicia to look at.  Here are some tips that I’d recommend:

First, do your homework.  Study images of original artworks in books, or go visit some museums and art galleries.  If you can’t locate any books or can’t conveniently travel to an exhibit, research about the artist online and read articles, blogs, and study digital images posted online.  Most of the time, it’s easy to identify a fake painting based solely on the image itself.  Many fakes don’t possess the same quality as an original:  either the colors are wrong, the image is poorly reproduced, the lines are course vs. fine, the image is simply a copy of an original image (caveat - do note that there are a few original duplicates that are real where the artist has painted the image twice).

Second, aside from the image, study the other obvious indicators.  Is there even a signature on the artwork?  If yes, is the signature consistent with original paintings?  Is the painting dated in the same way?  Is the signature located in commonly placed areas?  Is the paper size consistent with other artworks?  Is the paper quality consistent with originals?

Third, evaluate any evidence that would support the artwork’s authenticity?  What is the origin of the artwork?  How was it acquired?  Where was it acquired?  How did the current owner acquire the piece?  Does the seller have any provenance documentation (invoice, receipt, shipping document, gallery marketing material)?  Does the seller have a photo of the artist standing next to the artwork?  Is the artwork identified in a formal publication or book?  Is the book signed and dedicated to the acquirer? Does the artwork come with a certification of authenticity from the artist, artist’s agent, artist’s publisher, reputable gallery?

Fourth, even satisfying the above 3 criteria, it’s prudent to get this artwork authenticated by an expert!  For a few hundred dollars, it’s a small price to pay to gain assurance that your investment was a wise one.

Without following such tips, you will run the risk of paying an exorbitant amount of money for a fake reproduction, which has little value, if any.  In the past few years, I’ve witnessed fake paintings being sold as originals for as low as $400 to as high as $97,000.

Here are a few auction listings of 100% fake paintings!  Please be careful!

Illumination of Buddha, Hammer Price $20,000 USD, Value = $0 USD

Golden Leaves, Hammer Price $33,000 USD, Value = $0 USD

Cradle Song, Hammer Price $63,000 USD, Value = $0 USD

Thai Lady, Hammer Price $67,000 USD, Value = $0 USD

Heart to Heart, Hammer Price $97,000 USD, Value = $0 USD

For more information on Contemporary Chinese Art, please check out my website at www.cwgalleries.com, www.facebook.com/ContemporaryChineseArt, http://yunnanart.tumblr.com, www.pinterest.com/ArtContemporary