For its inaugural spring sale, Holly’s International Auction is doing something a bit unconventional. In addition to its tried-and-true auction categories of Chinese art or Modern and contemporary art, the auction house will be offering a sale of works by contemporary Chinese artist Shen Qin—which have yet to be made.

Titled ‘‘Future+: Special Sale of Shen Qin’s Upcoming Works” the auction, which will take place on May 27, appears to be at once a product of and a check against the often unreal prices paid at auction. Especially imaginative and indeed trusting bidders will be able to “acquire” a work by Shen that promises to be made at some point between 2019 and 2022.

There are very few guarantees on what the client will receive, other than it will be a work on paper, made in ink or watercolor. In this sense the auction house is turning over a fair amount of power to Shen. The works, Holly’s has stressed, are not commissions and buyers cannot interfere with the artistic process or suggest subject matter.

Shen Qin, San Xia (1) (2006). Courtesy of Holly’s International Auction.

“We sought to discover an artist who shares our vision of the essence of art and, at the same time, to engage with collectors who have shared values in relation to collecting,” said Wang Yefu, executive director and art director of Holly’s International Auction. “The career of Shen reflects his dignity with regards to art. His works of art are what we believe in and we dare to foresee his future artistic creation. I sincerely believe that our project ‘Future +’ will bring positive energy and valuable insights to the art market”

Shen seems a well considered choice for this experimental venture. Born in Nanjing, the artist first gained recognition as part of the avant-garde 85 New Wave Movement for his surreal and often abstract works, and was an important voice in the pivotal New Ink Movement. But during the 1990s, at the height of his fame and as the Chinese contemporary art market was bursting onto the world stage, Shen Qin did something unusual. He retreated to Shijiazhuang in northern China, where he went into a state of near-isolation, practicing ink painting for the entirety of his days.

Shen Qin, Monotone Mountains 07 (2017). Courtesy of Holly’s International Auction.

During this period he forged a new and distinct visual language that combines both the poetic traits of traditional ink painting with contemporary aesthetics. Often using heavy layers of ink, Shen’s works are often prized for their mysteriousness, a melding of reality with illusion. With this auction, the distinction between the two all but disappears.

Holly’s International Auction inaugural edition of Spring Sales will be held in Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, May 27, 2019, with preview days May 25-26, 2019.