"At the end of 1968, the US spacecraft, Apollo 7, passed the atmosphere and took the first picture of Earth. This picture astounded and inspired the world. When I saw this picture, I immediately turned my attention to the dawn of the space era. As a result, I completed my first painting about space (Which is Earth?) at the beginning of 1969. In May, this painting won first prize in 'Mainstream '69' in the United States. I was also awarded the title of 'most inspiring modern artist'. Greatly encouraged by such achievements, I then devoted myself to this new field and created a colourful series of Chinese paintings." — Liu Kuo-Sung
Provenance
Bernaerts, Antwerp, 21 March 2019, lot 1131 Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
1971 signed, dated and stamped with the artist's seal 'Liu Kuo-Sung 1971 [in Chinese]' lower right ink and colour on paper 100 x 72.5 cm. (39 3/8 x 28 1/2 in.) Executed in 1971.