Christie’s Asia has commissioned Fgreat to make this stylish and entertaining film bringing to life the art of Sanyu (1895-1966).
The Chinese- French painter is one of the most prominent artists of his generation. Mixing distinct artistic techniques and materials, Sanyu combines Western modernism and Chinese tradition to create innovative scenes.
Goldfish was painted in the 1930s-1940s and is regarded today as one exquisitely rare painting. Sanyu considered moving goldfish as main characters inside a transparent glass tank facing a still life background. Oil and ink were creatively used together to show a dynamic group of eight goldfish fluttering, swimming and playing. Repeating patterns reinforces the symbolism of goldfish, seen as talismans in China.