FAN HO (CHINESE 1931-2016)Rowing On ,1954sepia gelatin silver printfull sheet measuring 45.7 x 37 cm (18 x 14 5/8 in.)titled and numbered 1 on photographer's credit stamp, titled and numbered 2 on another; signed, dated and titled in another hand, numbered CH 2/11 in brown pencil on versoPROVENANCEMB Gallery, Palo AltoAcquired at the above by the present owners in 2007. (Copy of invoice available upon request)LITERATUREFan Ho: Hong Kong Yesterday (Palo Alto: MB Editions, Modernbook Editions Publishers, 2007), Second Edition, p. 23 (illustrated) ESSAYFan Ho is known for his very carefully composed photographs, combining a background of geometrical constructions, pattern and light. Using backlight Ho was able to create a dramatic atmosphere for each photograph. Photographing primarily the people of Hong Kong locations included streets, alleys, markets and the sea. Ho’s photographic work does not focus on the city’s buildings or monuments, rather the coolies, vendors, hawkers who sell fruits and vegetables, children playing in the street, people running errands. Capturing the common hardship and resilience of the citizens. Fan Ho’s large body of work won him close to 300 awards both locally and internationally, presenting his photographs in salons. Fan Ho is a Fellow of the Photographic Society and the Royal Society of Arts in England, and an Honorary Member of the Photographic societies of Singapore, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy and Belgium. He most recently won a "Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2nd Global Chinese International Photography Award, China, 2015" by the Chinese Photographic Society (Guangzhou). The present lot is a prime example of Fan Ho’s prolific career and accomplished body of work.CONDITIONObserved outside of the mat, the photograph appears in good vintage condition. Ferrotyped. Creasing to the perimeter, most notably: to the center of the right edge, a vertical crease 13 cm (5 1/8 in.) long emerging from the center of the bottom edge, and to the bottom left corner. Hinged along the top corners.framed dimensions: 54 x 65 cm (21 1/4 x 25 5/8 in.) [plexiglass]Kindly note, the auction is comprised of two sessions:Session I: Russian and Asian Art, Antiques and Jewelry, lots 1-331Session II: European, North and South American, and Ethnographic Art, Antiques, Jewelry, and Design, lots 500-827N.B. All lots are sold in as-is condition at the time of sale. Please note that any condition statement regarding works of art is given as a courtesy to our clients in order to assist them in assessing the condition. The report is a genuine opinion held by Shapiro Auctions and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report or a photograph does not preclude the absence of defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Shapiro Auctions, LLC., including its consultants and agents, shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
