Derived from the painting series of the same name, Zhu Wei’s China China features two figures in Mao suits facing forward in unison on a steel platform. Depicted without eyes or mouths, the cartoon-like figures not only hint at the rapidly changing social ideals of the era, but also reflect humanity through the transformations of collective memories into personal viewpoints. A monumental figure in Chinese contemporary art, Zhu first appeared at international exhibitions in 1993. He has since been featured in more than 300 shows, and his works are in the collections of 45 museums worldwide.
Provenance
Private Collection, Israel Private Collection Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 23 January 2014, lot 21 Acquired at the above sale by the present owner
incised 'Zhu Wei [in Chinese]' on the left foot of the front figure aluminium, lacquer paint, sand 118 x 81.3 x 121 cm. (46 1/2 x 32 x 47 5/8 in.) Executed in 2008, this work is number 1 from an edition of 2.