Author: YIN ZHAOYANG 尹朝阳

Size: 200×150cm

Signed and dated: Painted in 2004

Estimate: 400,000 -600,000

Final Price: unsold

LITERATURE
2005 The Second Triennial of Chinese art-Future Archaeology / P189 / Hubei Fine Arts Publishing House
signed in Chinese and dated 2004 (on the reverse)
EXHIBITED
2005 Future Archaeology-the Second Triennial of Chinese art Nanjing Museum, Nanjing

Yin Zhaoyang's art lies between real and imaginary, allegory and lyricism, and no matter which format of art he creates, his works are always representations of his personal experiences, emotions, and trace of contemporary Chinese collective memories. In 1990s, economic development made the Heroism become a burden of humanity. Also, the ubiquitous egoism gradually dissolves the divinity of the hero, making the prototype of the 'myth', Sisyphus, a stubborn and tragic character. The artist chose the story of Sisyphus insinuate the confrontation and struggle in reality. Sisyphus' 'self-slavery and exile' represents the artist's firm belief in being true to himself.
This Myth Series (Lot 1094) was created in 2004, and as the early work of this series, it marks the maturity of Yin Zhaoyang's conceptual expression and painting style. The exhausted Sisyphus is trying to lift the stone again and push it to the top of mountain in endless repetition. Sisyphus is naked, with accurate modeling and vivid demeanor, and he bursts out with great power at the moment of pushing the boulder. The combination of realistic characters and illusory scenes gives the work a surreal color and a stronger tragic atmosphere.