Provenance:

Private Collection, New Jersey.

Acquired directly from the above.

Lot Note:

Qiu Deshu’s Fissure series emerged in the early 1980s from the artist’s chance encounter with cracks in an old stone slab, which he came to regard as a metaphor for rupture, transformation, and the uncertainties of contemporary life. Drawing upon traditional Chinese ink painting and scroll-mounting techniques, Qiu developed an innovative process of tearing, cutting, layering, and reassembling xuan paper, allowing the irregular edges and spaces between fragments to form the “fissures” that define his compositions. By combining ink, color, and collage, Qiu transformed the traditionally supportive role of paper into an active component of the image, creating works that occupy a compelling space between painting and sculpture. The resulting fissures evoke both geological formations and the fragmentation of the artist’s own experience, while suggesting a continual process of destruction and renewal.

Framed: 51 x 50 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.

Work is in overall good condition. Pinholes with associated brown discoloration present along lower extreme edge, with evidence of other pinholes present along extreme edges at top right corner and center right edge. Sheet is hinged to the back mat in multiple places along all four edges verso, making verso inaccessible. Two hinges along bottom edge have been cut. Mat window is glued to back mat along top, right and left edges. Additional images available upon request.

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