Last week I returned from a long awaited visit to Asia. I started in Beijing, the heart of the Chinese art world and the home of many of China’s leading contemporary artists and dealers. I met many of my colleagues whom represent the whole spectrum of the local art industry: artists, dealers, collectors, private consultants and auction executives. I visited galleries like Star Gallery, Platform China, Shanghart, White space, 0110001 and many others to get a sense of current trends and the state of the market.
As ever before, the market’s health is not very clear or easy to understand. Due to the very volatile and rapid development of China’s economy and society in recent years, the contemporary art scene in the mainland is struggling to find a balance. Collectors, buyers and dealers are very cautious and sometimes act nervously, trying to find the right path forward. They spread their interests and targets in different directions whilst trying to hit or create a new trend. Their focus varies from Contemporary painting to classic painting, from Chinese contemporary ink to modern abstract. Their search extends well beyond the mainland, from South East Asian contemporary art to Japanese avant-garde from the 1960’s. Continue reading
First a caveat, I have never really understood the fascination that so many people have with Cindy Sherman’s work, or been able to fully recognise the genius that so many others see. A genius that has elevated her to iconic status and wide recognition as one of the most important contemporary artists.
As I didn’t make it to NY for the preview day I was expecting I would have to fight my way through crowds to see the show. I was wrong. This year the Armory had a VIP hour each day throughout the show period – which was great – when I went I literally had the place to myself. Well done to the Armory for this initiative. I’m sure others will follow. 
This week, the energetic and inspiring Katie and George de Tilly, introduced me to the work of a great Chinese artist Yang Zhichao. His show ‘Chinese Bible’ opened in their gallery Chancery Lane last night. For Chinese Bible, Yang Zhichao spent three years collecting from markets and second – hand shops the personal diaries of overlapping generations. The 3,000 notebooks inscribed with personal writings span 50 years from 1949 to 1999. The show also features 40 pencil drawings the artist made based on pages from the diaries. Two of these drawings will be making their way to the Franks-Suss Collection.
Art Taipei is a good example of how small regionally focused fairs are becoming increasingly more relevant whilst larger fairs continue to lose their way.
