Christie's Hong Kong Pairs David Hockney and Wu Guanzhong in First-Ever Exhibition
From September 22 to 29, Christie's Hong Kong will present a non-selling exhibition titled Through the Master's Eye—David Hockney & Wu Guanzhong, showcasing the works of British artist David Hockney (1937-2026) alongside Modern Chinese master Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010). Christian Albu, the deputy chairman at Christie's, highlighted the shared exploration of Eastern and Western artistic traditions by both creators. The exhibition was inspired by Hockney's trip to China in 1981, which led to his 1982 publication, China Diary. Although Hockney never met Wu, who taught at Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts, the display includes approximately seven pieces by Hockney, 15 by Wu, and two scrolls from the Qing Dynasty, aiming to encourage dialogue on cross-cultural artistic interactions.
Key facts
- Christie's Hong Kong hosts the first-ever pairing of David Hockney and Wu Guanzhong in the exhibition Through the Master's Eye—David Hockney & Wu Guanzhong.
- The non-selling exhibition runs from 22 to 29 September alongside Christie's autumn preview and sales.
- David Hockney (1937-2026) visited China in 1981 with Stephen Spender and Gregory Evans, leading to the book China Diary (1982).
- Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010) was a professor at Beijing's Central Academy of Fine Arts and Crafts at the time of Hockney's visit.
- The exhibition features about seven works by Hockney and 15 by Wu, plus two scroll paintings by Wang Hui (1632-1717).
- Wu Guanzhong studied in France from 1947 to 1950, influencing his fusion of Western and Chinese techniques.
- Hockney cited The Principles of Chinese Painting (1947) and the concept of scroll paintings containing time and place in a 1984 Smithsonian interview.
- Christian Albu is Christie's deputy chairman and head of auction and private sales for 20th- and 21st-century art in Asia Pacific.
Entities
Artists
- David Hockney
- Wu Guanzhong
- Wang Hui
- Stephen Spender
- Gregory Evans
- Philip Haas
- Christian Albu
Institutions
- Christie's Hong Kong
- Central Academy of Fine Arts and Crafts
- Central Academy of Fine Arts
- Smithsonian Museum
- Milestone Film
- Christie's
- Christie's Asia Pacific
- The Henderson
Locations
- Hong Kong
- China
- Beijing
- Guilin
- Jiangnan
- Ningbo
- France
- Asia