Lot 537: Cheung Yee (Zhang Yi) , b. 1936 Spirit M 070328 & Spirit F 070323 (Set of Two) cast paper on wood

Spirit M: signed in English, titled in Chinese, and dated 070328 (bottom middle) Spirit F: signed in English, titled in Chinese, and dated 070323 (bottom middle) cast paper on wood

measurements note each 132 by 102 cm.; 52 by 40 in.

Hong Kong, Exchange Square, The Rotunda, and iPreciation, The Art of Cheung Yee, August 2008

Cheung Yee, iPreciation, Singapore, 2008, p.83-84

In terms of structure and manner of production, Cheung Yee's large wooden reliefs and paper reliefs (also known as cast paper prints) are indeed influenced by ancient rubbings and movable type printing. The abstract symbols in these works - including female genitalia, barnacles, shells, tortoise shell pieces, cracks and gaping holes - express Chinese philosophical notion such as Yin/Yang, Heaven/Earth, square/circle, positivity/negativity, movement/stillness and so on. I like the I Ching, but I have not delved deep into it. What I have grasped are merely the absolute basics, the most fundamental ideas, such as the genesis of existence from non-existence. In this genesis, there is chaos in the beginning; one is divided into two, and then into four, and subsequently eight. Another example would be the dichotomies in Nature, such as Heaven and Earth, and Ying and Yang, which constitute the Dao. The "I" of the I Ching refers to changes. Only with changes can there be vitality and innovation. In his artistic practice, he likes to use curves and circles. Where there is a circle in a square, you get movement in the midst of stillness, which yields an appearance of greater simplicity and vigour. He also likes water. It can either be formless or take a particular form. It takes the shape of whatever container it is held in. What he means by "water" also includes alcohol, which has a fiery quality inherent to it.