Patrick Procktor
Forbidden City, Peking, 1980
Colour Aquatint
18 x 24 in
45.7 x 61 cm
45.7 x 61 cm
From Edition of 75
Photo: Andy Johnson
In 1980, Procktor accompanied a group of British delegates on a trip to communist China. This was an extraordinary honour as it was the first time a Western artist had...
In 1980, Procktor accompanied a group of British delegates on a trip to communist China. This was an extraordinary honour as it was the first time a Western artist had visited the country since 1966 and the start of the Cultural Revolution.
Forbidden City, Peking is one of eight prints that make up Procktor's 'China Series' portfolio. Collectively, the prints depict renowned places of beauty in modern day Beijing, Guilin, Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou.
By contrasting bold calligraphy-like black strokes with subtle variations of colour on pale backgrounds, Procktor's prints evoke the style of traditional Chinese painting. Given this cross-cultural aesthetic and their historical importance, the 'China Series' are highly sought after. A complete set of the series is held in the Government Art Collection and hangs in the British Embassy in Beijing.
Forbidden City, Peking is one of eight prints that make up Procktor's 'China Series' portfolio. Collectively, the prints depict renowned places of beauty in modern day Beijing, Guilin, Wuxi, Suzhou and Hangzhou.
By contrasting bold calligraphy-like black strokes with subtle variations of colour on pale backgrounds, Procktor's prints evoke the style of traditional Chinese painting. Given this cross-cultural aesthetic and their historical importance, the 'China Series' are highly sought after. A complete set of the series is held in the Government Art Collection and hangs in the British Embassy in Beijing.
Provenance
BP Corporate Art Collection
Publications
Massey, Ian. Patrick Procktor: Art and Life. Norwich: Unicorn, 2010. Print.