HONG KONG.- This October, Sotheby’s will present “Art of Tomorrow: Works Sold to Benefit the Chu Foundation”, an eclectic collection from prominent Hong Kong-based art collectors and patrons Natalie Chan Chu and Lawrence Chu. A total of 34 lots will be offered across Contemporary Art Evening and Day Sales, featuring a compelling group of paintings, sculptures and installation art by some of the most sought-after Asian and Western contemporary artists including Martin Wong, Firenze Lai, Zhang Enli and Jonas Wood.

A portion of the sale proceeds will benefit the Chu Foundation, an independent not-for-profit entity founded by the Chu’s with a mission to empower human potential through art and education. Funds will be used to support the Foundation’s latest project, the Chu Residency at Tateyama, Toyama Prefecture in Japan, which is scheduled to launch in 2021. The Residency will invite artists from around the world to the tranquil town of Tateyama to focus and develop their visions and crafts, and will further expand to include a mentorship program and an interactive and communicative digital space. Fostering artistic and cultural exchange, artistic education and a deep understanding of each artists’ relationship with their work, the Residency aims to be a holistic and diverse community driving the future of international artistic creation.

With a combination of works by Asian and Western blue-chip artists as well as emerging local talents, the Chu Collection represents a distinct perspective from Hong Kong where the Chu family is rooted. Its diversity in expression reflects Natalie and Lawrence’s belief that art can spark innovation and enrich lives.

Lawrence Chu comments: “Many of the works in the collection represent a special memory for Natalie and me when we personally interacted with the artists, gallerist and curators. We are thrilled to share with Sotheby’s and collectors from around the world these works by artists who are primed for future growth. They are on the frontiers of human expression and the world needs their creativity now more than ever. We strive to empower them and support the art community at the Chu Foundation, fostering cross-cultural communications and sharing and ultimately bringing a positive impact to society at large.”

Yuki Terase, Head of Contemporary Art, Asia of Sotheby’s, comments: “The ‘Art of Tomorrow’ collection spotlights works by established artists and young and cutting-edge talent whose unique visions inspired Natalie and Lawrence throughout their collecting journey. We are honored to be entrusted with this remarkable collection, and are proud that the sale will benefit the Chu Foundation’s steadfast dedication to support and cultivate artistic exchange. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such passionate young collectors right here in Asia to drive meaningful initiatives that support the art community, further paving the way for emerging artists around the world.”

Highlights
Contemporary Art Evening Sale (6 October)

• Martin Wong, Iglesia Pentecostal, 1986, acrylic on canvas, 273 x 211.5 cm. Est. HK$4,000,000 – 6,000,000 / US$520,000 – 775,000




• Georg Baselitz, Ein Werktätiger (The Worker), 1967, oil on paper laid on canvas, 100 x 81 cm. Est. HK$4,500,000 – 6,000,000 / US$585,000 – 775,000

• Jonas Wood, Blue Crate with Still Life, 2012, oil on linen, 122 x 76.3 cm. Est. HK$3,000,000 – 4,500,000 / US$388,000 – 585,000

• Firenze Lai, The Colleagues, 2017, oil on canvas, 130 x 110 cm. Est. HK$900,000 – 1,200,000 / US$117,000 – 155,000

• Zhang Enli, The Tuck Net (2), 2013, oil on canvas, 180 x 200 cm. Est. HK$600,000 – 1,200,000 / US$77,500 – 155,000

Contemporary Art Day Sale (7 October)

• Chris Huen Sin Kan, Order, 2016, oil on canvas, 60 x 90 cm. Est. HK$95,000 – 200,000 / US$12,300 – 25,800

• Alicja Kwade, Asia, 2015, brass and stainless steel, 200 x 24 x 6.6 cm. Est. HK$80,000 – 120,000 / US$10,300 – 15,500

• Liu Guosong, Metamorphosis of the Sun (G), 2013, ink and colour on paper, 89.5 x 69.5 cm. Est. HK$240,000 – 420,000 / US$30,900 – 54,500