LIU XUGUANG (b.1958), TRACES 2007-11, 2007

ink on rice paper, 109 by 120cm Provenance: Michael Goedhuis Footnote: Liu Xuguang completed his PhD at Beijing’s Tsinghua University with a “Theory of Essence Consciousness”, subsequently he elaborated this concept during art study visits to Japan. His research was based on a single character from the oldest Chinese character tradition, marks of “bu” (卜) found on Chinese bone writing. On the basis of this character he created works, often using large sheets of rice paper, on which he drew a dense web of “bu” (卜) marks, drawn with oily earthy work ink and iron dust made himself. The lively vibration of all the “bu” (卜) marks follows a single direction, but none of them is absolutely the same as the other. Thus they become the epitome of a many-voiced foundational act of civilization that translates direct verbal exchange into the permanence of objectifying signs, a new, social form of memory. His search for the “Essence of Consciousness” is therefore not a regressive longing for the origins, but a link of contemporary culture with its foundations, still handed down in China. 2007年 刘旭光（生于1958年），痕迹2007-11，宣纸水墨ink on rice paper, 109 by 120cm Provenance: Michael Goedhuis Footnote: Liu Xuguang completed his PhD at Beijing’s Tsinghua University with a “Theory of Essence Consciousness”, subsequently he elaborated this concept during art study visits to Japan. His research was based on a single character from the oldest Chinese character tradition, marks of “bu” (卜) found on Chinese bone writing. On the basis of this character he created works, often using large sheets of rice paper, on which he drew a dense web of “bu” (卜) marks, drawn with oily earthy work ink and iron dust made himself. The lively vibration of all the “bu” (卜) marks follows a single direction, but none of them is absolutely the same as the other. Thus they become the epitome of a many-voiced foundational act of civilization that translates direct verbal exchange into the permanence of objectifying signs, a new, social form of memory. His search for the “Essence of Consciousness” is therefore not a regressive longing for the origins, but a link of contemporary culture with its foundations, still handed down in China.

It is likely the painting has been stored in a humid environment and has suffered quite heavy overall foxing to both the mount and the painting - see additional images on our website. It would be possible to restore the painting and we could recommend a restorer for this purpose. Condition Report: we are pleased to provide you with general guidance on the condition of property. Olympia Auctions is not entering into a contract with you in respect of the Condition Report and accordingly does not assume responsibility to you in respect of it. The Condition Report represents Olympia Auctions’ reasonable opinion as to the Lot’s general condition in the terms stated in the particular report, and Olympia Auctions does not represent or guarantee that a Condition Report includes all aspects of the internal or external condition of the Lot. Any images provided of the Lot may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the Lot nor its true colour or shade. The responsibility for ascertaining the condition of the Lot remains with the purchaser and prospective buyers should inspect each Lot to satisfy themselves as to condition. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH OUR CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS.