Though Walasse Ting was born in Shanghai in 1929, he spent much of his career abroad, living and working in Hong Kong, Paris, and then finally in New York in 1980s where he became close friends with Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselman, Sam Francis and Joan Mitchell. Influenced by Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Art Informel, and the European avant-garde CoBrA Group, Ting developed his own distinctive style using Chinese calligraphic brushstrokes to define outlines, infusing the composition with his signature vibrant palette.
Guilin Landscape (Lot 54) provides a snapshot of Guilin's landscape that is known for the rising mountains and winding rivers. By quickly applying large areas of color, Ting creates a powerful visual impact building a composition full of movement and energy. In reinterpreting this well-known motif, the artist shows no hesitation in challenging tradition.