Provenance:
Acquired directly from the family of the Artist
Private Collection, Los Angeles
Private Collection, Los Angeles
Vallarino Fine Art, New York
Lot Note:
Marking a significant chapter in the history of Chinese contemporary art, the works of George Chann (Chinese/American, 1913-1995) merged familiar ties with modern influences. His oeuvre can be read in two stages: portraits and landscapes prior to 1950, and the dynamic, abstract works that would follow.
Chann’s studies in calligraphy can be seen in his primarily monochromatic yet richly varied layers and textures, forcing his paintings off the canvas and into the third dimension. His use of visual language bridged between both eastern and western styles, combining bold brushwork, vibrant color, and intricate forms to illustrate his intrinsically unique response to and involvement in Abstract Expressionism.
Though selling little of his own work, Chann worked every day at the easel in the back room of his San Francisco shop for 40 years, only posthumously receiving the recognition he was due. It is considering such that we are pleased to present to you in this sale two of his works, Untitled, c. 1960, acquired directly from the artist, and Untitled, c. 1960, acquired from his friend and champion, Anthony Zhor.