Sanyu: L'homme Et L'oeuvre Peint À L'huile Volume 1 : Sa Vie

A precursor of modern Chinese art, Sanyu (1895-1966) was one of the first Chinese artists to make his mark on the international scene, despite a turbulent life. He lived in the Paris of Picasso and Modigliani, but his art was not recognised until after his death; today he is one of the most coveted modern Chinese artists.

This monograph traces Sanyu's life, from his early years in China and Japan, through his artistic experiments and developments in Paris and New York, to his tragic death, impoverished and forgotten. A study of the artist's life reveals that it was precisely the polarities and tensions he experienced that inspired him to create a unique pictorial language, so dynamically integrating the spirit of Western modernity with centuries-old Chinese traditions. Sanyu has metamorphosed from a Chinese artist of the modern period to a modernist with Chinese cultural roots. These intersecting dynamics have resulted in an unprecedented hybridity.

Featuring examples of his work in all genres and drawing on numerous archive documents as well as personal stories told by people who knew him, this biography is the most comprehensive document on Sanyu's life to date.