Lot  070 Ravenel Spring Auction 2020

Ravenel Spring Auction 2020

Untitled

Ayako ROKKAKU (Japanese, 1982)

2019

Acrylic on canvas

Diameter 130 cm

Estimate

TWD 3,200,000-4,800,000

HKD 823,000-1,234,000

USD 106,200-159,300

CNY 755,000-1,132,000

Sold Price

TWD 5,520,000

HKD 1,448,819

USD 186,739

CNY 1,308,057


Signature

Signed lower left Ayako Rokkaku in
Japanese and dated 2019

PROVENANCE:
Gallery Delaive, Amsterdam
Private collection, Asia

+ OVERVIEW

In 2006, Ayako Rokkaku was only 24 years old when she was awarded the Goto Akio Prize at the 9th GEISAI art fair. In the same year, the reputably tasteful Dutch Gallery Delaive actively fought to represent this talented young artist globally. Under the management of the gallery, Rokkaku shone brightly on the international stage. She has performed live painting at events including Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach, and Art Taipei. With her back to the audience, this barefooted young girl sits on the floor, surrounded by paints and art supplies. With a relaxed yet focused expression, she completes brightly colored, complex portraits of a girl drawing from her wild sense of imagination. Some people might compare her to Yoshitomo Nara. But, the improvisational method and girlish innocence in Rokkaku's works are truly unique in contemporary art. She layers repetitive patterns on top of each other. Clouds, bowknots, flowers, animals, and skulls are randomly scattered on the canvas, inviting viewers to explore in detail. Her characters, either with eyes wide open or arms swinging in a stride, show the adorable side of carefree and mischievous girls.

In terms of auction, 2019 marks a year of great success for Rokkaku. The trade volume and average price of her works have both skyrocketed. Her success in Europe has sparked the interest of Asian collectors, as can be seen from the fact that the auction markets for her works are primarily in Taipei, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. One of her 2019 works, Untitled, is 1.3 meters long in diameter, and features a dazzling level of color. Such a huge and round painting is rarely seen at auctions. Untitled marks a departure from the single character close-ups on corrugated paper presented in Rokkaku's earlier works. Like the Scottish wilderness during springtime, the background is exquisite and dense with wildflowers on the rolling grass hills blooming in the breeze under the warmth of the sun. In the upper right, there is a gleeful girl with a ponytail wearing a green floral dress. She strides forward, glancing back at the small creature behind her. This adorable, mischievous girl is the epitome of Rokkaku's works. In them, the artist conveys bravery, confidence, and her faith in life. Among the hustle and bustle, Rokkaku's innocence and positivity brings light to our lives, filling our hearts with laughter and joy.
Related Info

Select: Modern & Contemporary Art

Ravenel Spring Auction 2020

Sunday, July 19, 2020, 1:00pm