Anatomical ink drawing by esteemed Hong Kong artist on offer at Benefit Auction
Angela Su, Epitheca Spinigera, 2007, Drawing, ink on drafting film, 59x71cm, courtesy of the artist
Anatomical ink drawing by esteemed Hong Kong artist on offer at Benefit Auction
13 May 2016
Hong Kong artist Angela Su is best known for her biomorphic illustrations, creating work that combines the precision of scientific sketches with a mythical sense of aesthetic. Her ink drawings, one of which will be going under the hammer at the Asia House Benefit Auction which starts online in June, bring together dreams and alchemy to form a mysterious vision of nature and the human existence.
Su received a degree in biochemistry before pursuing visual arts, graduating from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1994. Her ink drawings resemble scientific illustrations from the 18th and 19th century, based on her study of biological drawings from the German enlightenment period. Using sections of the human body, she creates raw anatomical renderings of insects that – when looked at fleetingly could be out of a biology book – however, when studied, the fusion of alchemical and fantasy nature becomes clear. Her fascination with the body is clear, how it can be taken apart and rearranged to create different forms.
The incredibly detailed work that will be on offer, Epitheca Spinigera (pictured above), is from 2007 and is an ink drawing on drafting film. Epitheca Spinigera is the Latin name for the Spiny Baskettail, a dragonfly of the Corduliidae family.
Pamela Kember, Head of Arts and Learning, Asia House, said of Angela’s work: “Whether Angela Su develops her concepts from Darwinian ‘fixity of species’, or genetic engineering and the cloning of the body, audiences grapple with her intricate and microscopic views of the transmutation of the human frame, whether, ambiguous bodily forms, or depicted from the arthropod or botanical worlds. The viewer is drawn into a hidden, or secret world, not only of the artist’s imagination, but also within words that carry pluralistic meanings, that seeks to entice, yet rarely reveal their origins.”
Su’s work hangs in the homes of collectors, galleries and public spaces. Her solo shows include In Berty We Trust!, Gallery EXIT, Hong Kong (2013); Stigmatics – The Hartford Girl and Other Stories, Gallery EXIT, Hong Kong (2012); A Brief History of Time, RBS Gallery, Malaysia (2011); BwO, Grotto Fine Art, Hong Kong (2011) and Paracelsus’ Garden, Grotto Fine Art, Hong Kong (2008). Angela’s works have been exhibited in the 17th Sydney Biennale, Rossi & Rossi and Saatchi Gallery in London.
The charity auction is being held to celebrate 20 years since Asia House was founded in 1996 and to raise funds for its ongoing programme of events.
It commenced online on paddle8.com on 7 June. A preview of the auction works will take place in the Asia House Gallery from 14 to 21 June between 10.00 and 18.00.
The Asia House Benefit Auction has been organised in association with online collecting destination Paddle8 and supported by K Pak Ltd Fine Art Specialists.
The 25 + artworks, generously donated by artists and galleries from across Asia, as well as those who have a strong links to the region, includes artworks by artists who have exhibited at Asia House in the recent past.
A champagne reception and dinner with the theme ‘white gold’ will take place on June 21 at Asia House during which there will be a live auction. Please email mariam.neza@asiahouse.co.uk if you’d be interested in attending.
lucy.tomlinson@asiahouse.co.uk
To place bids for items in the auction click here. Bidding closes at 17.00 BST on Wednesday 22 June.
For more information about the Asia House Benefit Auction and the other artworks that can be bid for click here.
For more information about any aspect of the auction email Mariam.Neza@asiahouse.co.uk.
If you would like to support us, please consider making a donation towards the Asia House arts and learning programme below. We accept donations by credit card, debit card and PayPal.
