Collecting 101

T'ang Haywen is celebrated for his masterful fusion of traditional Chinese ink brush techniques with Western abstract expressionism, placing him on par with renowned contemporaries such as Zao Wou-Ki and Chu Teh-Chun.

- Joan Yip, Senior Specialist and Head of Sale of Southeast Asian Modern and Contemporary Art

Unlike Zao and Chu, T'ang was self-taught, giving his work with a distinctive, personal touch that stands out in the art world.

Deeply rooted in Taoist principles, his art often employs the diptych format, creating a dynamic interplay between ink and colour that is both innovative and spiritually profound. This unique approach not only highlights his artistic genius but also solidifies his significant role in the dialogue between Eastern and Western art traditions.

Formative Years of a Talented Artist 

Born in 1927 in Xiamen, China, T'ang Haywen, led a life marked by both artistic brilliance and personal tragedy.

His formative years were shaped by his grandfather's teachings of Taoism, deeply influencing his artistic vision. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, his family fled to Vietnam. In 1948, T'ang moved to Paris to study medicine but soon abandoned it to pursue his passion for painting.  

Despite his talent, T'ang struggled for recognition during his lifetime. He lived a bohemian lifestyle, often in financial hardship, and his health significantly deteriorated during his later years. In 1991, he passed away in Paris from respiratory complications. After his death, the French state could not locate an heir to his estate, leading to the absorption of his assets, including his extensive collection of artworks.

Revival of interest in T'ang Haywen's art in the Market

To manage and distribute these works, the French administration commissioned a series of auctions at Drouot between 1992 and 1993. Yves-Marie Leroux, a judicial auctioneer, organised these sales. The initial auction in 1992 was particularly significant, marking the first major public offering of T'ang's art since his death. Featuring a wide range of his pieces, from his signature ink paintings to his diptychs, this auction was instrumental in elevating his posthumous reputation.    The success of these auctions at Drouot was crucial in reviving interest in T'ang Haywen's art, ensuring that his innovative and spiritually resonant works were appreciated by future generations.  

Fusion of East and West

T'ang Haywen's artistic style is a unique fusion of Eastern and Western influences. He is renowned for blending the spiritual aesthetics of Chinese ink brush painting with the dynamic energy of Western abstract expressionism. His works often feature quick, expressive brushstrokes that capture the essence of natural scenes, embodying his belief that "painting is the embodiment of energy." His preferred medium was ink on paper, and he frequently worked in diptychs, creating harmonious compositions that synthesises his Taoist philosophy.  

Recent Museum Exhibitions

T'ang's legacy continues to flourish, with his works now held in major collections and exhibited worldwide, celebrating the profound beauty and spiritual depth of his art. The Guimet Museum in Paris hosted an exhibition featuring T'ang Haywen's works, T'ang Haywen: A Chinese painter in Paris (1927-1991), 6 March – 17 June 2024, further cementing his place in the annals of modern art. 

Paintings by T'ang Haywen
Under the Hammer

Our online auction on 5 - 11 December features a series of work by T'ang Haywen. Discover more through below link.

La Modernité Vietnamienne Online
Online Only | 5 - 11 December, 2024 

Enquiries
Joan Yip
+33 1 89 53 43 57
joan.yip@bonhams.com