Kang Hyung-Koo (b. 1952). J.F.K.

signed and dated 05.6. mixed media on canvas. 258.3 by 194cm.; 101 3/4 by 76 3/8 in. Estimate: 450,000—700,000 HKD

NOTE: "Most artists are inspired by the limitless number of meanings that could potentially be expressed through the face, and interpreting such faces, for many, is one of those subjects that feel absolutely right, almost as if instinct. Indeed I am one of those artists."[1]

A human face is living, undisguised proof of an existence ravaged by time, experience, life. Every wrinkle harbours an abundant cache of personal stories and every contour is shaped by a lifetime of contemplation. Through applying a hyper-realistic technique in rendering his portraits of celebrities, unidentified persons or even himself, Kang Hyung-koo reflects on the potential narrative and involuntary honesty of a face. He concedes, however, that humans do have the liberty to conceal their true emotions by fabricating facial expressions, but he attempts to solve this problem by giving his subjects a neutral one. Every portrait is painted as if viewing through a magnifying glass. Fine strands of hair are as meticulously depicted as slight imperfections of the face. To Kang, the most revealing of all are the eyes, a principle best exemplified by J.F.K. (Lot 42). The 35^th President of the United States is portrayed here as consumed in thought. Amid the tonalities of grey that make up John F. Kennedy's body are two beautifully translucent eyes of watery blue. Kang Hyung-koo considers a portrait finished when he feels the subject is gazing out from the canvas. As our eyes meet with his, we engage in a silent conversation, our lives connecting in defiance of all boundaries of time or space.

[1] Kang, Hyung Koo et al., Hyung Koo Kang, the Gaze (Seoul: Arario Gallery, 2007): 114.

Sotheby's. Modern and Contemporary Asian Art Evening Sale. 04 Oct 08 07:30 PM. Hong Kong - www.sothebys.com