George Chann

(Chinese/American, 1913-1995)

Untitled, c. 1960

oil on canvas

signed Geo Chann (lower center)

24 x 18 inches.

Provenance:

Acquired directly from the family of the Artist

Private Collection, Los Angeles

Vallarino Fine Art, New York

Lot Note:

Marking a significant chapter in the history of Chinese contemporary art, the works of George Chann (Chinese/American, 1913-1995) merged familiar ties with modern influences. His oeuvre can be read in two stages: portraits and landscapes prior to 1950, and the dynamic, abstract works that would follow.

Chann’s studies in calligraphy can be seen in his primarily monochromatic yet richly varied layers and textures, forcing his paintings off the canvas and into the third dimension. His use of visual language bridged between both eastern and western styles, combining bold brushwork, vibrant color, and intricate forms to illustrate his intrinsically unique response to and involvement in Abstract Expressionism.

Though selling little of his own work, Chann worked every day at the easel in the back room of his San Francisco shop for 40 years, only posthumously receiving the recognition he was due. It is considering such that we are pleased to present to you in this sale two of his works, Untitled, c. 1960, acquired directly from the artist, and Untitled, c. 1960, acquired from his friend and champion, Anthony Zhor.

Framed: 32 1/2 x 26 1/2 inches.

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Zack Wirsum

SVP, Head of Department, Post War and Contemporary Art

[email protected]312.600.6069

Mr. Wirsum joined the firm in 2007 as a Fine Art registrar and became a department specialist in 2013, with a focus on Post War and Contemporary art. Through his vision, the department has achieved record breaking prices. Mr. Wirsum evaluates and appraises well over 5,000 works of art each year, collaborating with leading international committees and experts on authentication. Prior to joining Freeman's, Mr. Wirsum served as an assistant director and conservator at the Chicago Conservation Center. He received a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is a practicing painter with gallery representation.

Aaron Cator

Senior Specialist, Post War & Contemporary Art

[email protected]646.864.1746

Mr. Cator brings years of deep and wide-ranging art industry experience to his role. Prior to joining Freeman's, he operated his own art advisory firm where he worked with new and seasoned collectors to build customized art collections. He previously worked for David Zwirner for nearly seven years, where he spearheaded a robust annual rollout of key client development and marketing initiatives in the United States and internationally in London, Paris, and Hong Kong. Cator was an early member of the gallery’s marketing department, supporting the needs of both the gallery’s distinguished stable of artists and global client base.
Before his role at Zwirner, Cator held a number of curatorial research positions, including at the Whitney Museum of American Art where he worked under Senior Curator of Painting and Sculpture Barbara Haskell, as well as at the Museum of Modern Art under Roxana Marcoci, the David Dechman Senior Curator of Photography.
Cator holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Political Science from Santa Clara University. He also pursued graduate studies in Art History at Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, with a concentration on social documentary and contemporary photography.

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George Chann

(Chinese/American, 1913-1995)

Untitled, c. 1960

oil on canvas

signed Geo Chann (lower center)

24 x 18 inches.

Provenance:

Acquired directly from the family of the Artist

Private Collection, Los Angeles

Vallarino Fine Art, New York

Lot Note:

Framed: 32 1/2 x 26 1/2 inches.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Post War & Contemporary Art

Untitled, c. 1960

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