Singapore, 29th April 2007, returning to the traditional packed sales room at The Regent Singapore, Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Paintings Spring Sale 2007 commanded a total of S$8,287,200 (US$5,463,585) against a pre-sale estimate of over S$5 million/ US$3.3 million)*, with over 60 lots out of 151 sold above their high estimates. Additionally, 4 world artist records at auction were set today for works by Rudolf Bonnet, Putu Sutawijaya, Rudi Mantofani and Handiwirman Sahputra, among which 3 are contemporary Southeast Asian artists. All of the contemporary works were sold, which is a record for this category launched at the sale in 2000.The 2-session sale, which comprised 151 lots of paintings, featured Indo-European Paintings and also Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino and Thai Paintings, as well as Vietnamese Paintings and Works of Art in Session One. Continuing a successful formula, Session Two showcased New Contemporary Paintings and Modern Indonesian Paintings.Mr. Henry Howard-Sneyd, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Asia and Managing Director of Sotheby’s Asia, said, “It was thrilling as auctioneer to experience once again the vibrant and jovial bidding atmosphere so characteristic of sales in Singapore. The presence of new collectors supported the activity of more established collectors, particularly seen in the enthusiasm for contemporary works.”Mr. Mok Kim Chuan, Head of Southeast Asian Paintings Department & Deputy Director of Asia commented, “We are delighted to see new records set for a number of artists at auction today and exceptionally pleased with those set by contemporary Asian artists in the New Contemporary category, which indicates a strong growing interest in this area. Additionally, we noted the presence of many new collectors successfully competing for high value works of art. Today’s sale demonstrates the sustained strength in the development of the market and we trust that it will continue to grow”.SESSION ONE – (Indo-European Paintings; Singaporean, Malaysian, Filipino and Thai Paintings, Vietnamese Paintings and Works of Art)The top lot of the sale was Leçon de Tissage (Weaving Lesson) by Belgian Impressionist, Adrien Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès which brought S$600,000/ US$395,568. Executed between 1937 and 1941, the painting boasts an excellent provenance and was offered for the first time at auction (lot 18, est. S$400,000- 600,000/ US$262,000-393,000). Another piece by the artist, Two Balinese Women at a Loom, fetched S$ 240,000/ US$158,227 against the estimate of S$150,000-200,000 (lot 20).There was applause after extended bidding in the room and over the phone in the morning session when Rudolf Bonnet’s Portrait of a Balinese Maiden was sold for S$468,000/ US$308,543, well over its high estimate (lot 8, est. S$80,000-120,000/ US$52,500-78,500) while setting a new world record for a paper work by the artist at auction. Completed in 1932 shortly after Bonnet settled down in Bali, the painting depicts a Balinese maiden with striking features being delicately framed by exotic passiflora flowers, a backdrop that perfectly enhances her beauty. The painting embodies the hallmarks of Bonnet as a true maestro: flawless technique, beauty, refinement, contemplation, and an indomitable pursuit for perfection.Vietnamese artist Le Pho’s silk painting, Maternité, achieved S$336,000/US$221,518 which nearly doubled the high estimate (lot 48; est. S$180,000-220,000/ US$118,000-144,000). The painting displays a delicate translucence and brilliance in texture and palette, and explores such themes as divinity, motherhood, Christianity and Indochinese identity. All of these elements make this piece a tour de force of Vietnamese Modern Art.Joseph Inguimberty’s Vietnamese Landscape brought S$24,000/ US$15,823 which nearly tripled the high estimate (lot 58, est. S$7,000-9,000/ US$4,600-5,900). Jeune Femme à Sa Coiffure by Vu Cao Dam also gained applause after an intense bidding which finally sold for S$43,200/ US$28,481 which nearly doubled the high estimate (lot 60, est. S$22,000-25,000/ US$14,400-16,400).SESSION TWO – (New Contemporary Paintings; Modern Indonesian Paintings)There was applause after extended bidding in the overflowing sales room when Looking for Wings by Balinese artist, Putu Sutawijaya was purchased for S$114,000/ US$75,158, achieving multiple times of its high estimate as well as setting a world record for the artist at auction. (lot 66, est. S$7,000- 9,000/US$4,600-5,900). According to the artist, the wings are symbolic; extended and ready for flight, they transform dreams into realities. In addition, a pause from life’s labours is represented by sensual glasses, tools to build relationships among human beings to create bonds of kinship.Another world artist record was set when Indonesian artist, Rudi Mantofani’s Menyisir Alam was sold for S$36,000/ US$23,734, which was a multiple of its high estimate (lot 68, est. S$4,000-6,000/ US$2,650- 3,950). The bright red gigantic comb set against the green landscape contributes to an exceptional visual impact. His fellow Indonesian artist, Handiwirman Sahputra also achieved a world artist record at auction for his Mental Series No. 8 which brought S$57,600/ US$37,975, a multiple of its high estimate (lot 98, est. S$4,000-6,000/ US$2,650-3,950). The piece is a kind of surrealistic still life depicting the nature of discordance and polarity together with their ultimate harmony and inseparability.There was a number of lots sold far above their high estimates. Budi Kustarto’s Kesetiaan Kepada achieved S$25,200/ US$16,614 (lot 65, est. S$3,000-4,000/ US$2,000-2,650). Ay Tjoe Christine’s Alter Ego III was sold for S$13,200/ US$8,702 (lot 109, est. S$3,000-4,000). M Irfan’s Rolling Stones brought S$18,000/ US$11,867 (lot 110, est. S$3,000-4,000/ US$2,000-2,650).Highlighting the Modern Indonesian Paintings is Muka Sendiri (My Face) by Indonesian artist, Affandi which sold for a remarkable price of S$264,000/ US$174,050), being one of the top ten lots of the sale (lot 138, est. S$120,000-180,000/US$78,500-118,000). Daubs of red paint on the artist’s forehead and cheeks, express a sanguine flush of energy, creativity, sexuality, lust, power, and ego. Next to his eyes, the artist has scribbled his special symbol, marking his personal satisfaction and approval of the work. Rojak Seller by Lee Man Fong featured in the same category achieved S$360,000/US$237,341 (lot 148, est. S$150,000- 250,000/US$98,500-164,000), which was also one of the top ten lots of the sale.