This article was written for Time Out Beijing:
In a country so nationalistic and self appraising, it is little surprise that with the boom in international interest towards Contemporary Chinese Art, there has been a boom in domestic promotion, popularity and the production of it. Unsurprising too is the consequent scramble to get a piece of the market, resulting in an explosion of average galleries and very average art. It comes as a relief therefore, that large, international galleries are looking beyond this boom and are introducing a broader spectrum of superior quality to the capital, including Contemporary Indian Art. Continue reading ‘Is Contemporary Indian Art Trumping the Trend in China?’
The differences between Shanghai and Beijing are fairly evident but for years now, Moganshan Road has been Shanghai’s equivalent to Beijing’s 798. With warehouse style spaces on a smaller scale, Moganshan is not completely dissimilar, it does however, lack the atmosphere. But, the recently opened (July 2008) James Cohan Gallery in Shanghai not only deserves attention for the significant artists it shows, it also has established itself in the most beautiful old Shanghainese house. High ceilings and art deco details, this first floor gallery comprising of 3 main rooms and 2 offices is one of the most unique and beautiful spaces I have come across for a long time. For some serious art in seriously lovely setting, it is well worth a visit.
It has been brought to my attention that our Affordable Art in China concept, has been stolen. Not a complete surprise - it is a good idea, and we are in China. However, it is still infuriating and deeply disappointing, as it comes from our original media partners.
We have a new website up which we will develop with time to become the portal for our AAB and next year, the AAShanghai. Please see www.affordableartchina.com for more details.
A friend from Time Out Beijing asked me to review the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art’s new Show.
The attention to detail and quality demanded by UCCA is evident in this show. It is a collection of some of the best work from major shows of the past; like Yang Zhenzhang’s 922 Rice Corns and the media overload that is Wang Du’s Space-Time Tunnel, and newer work; like Cao Fei’s RMB City, a delightful digital video tour of a futuristic China.
‘Our Future’ is a vast array of clever, enticing, thought provoking work. Continue reading ‘Review: UCCA: ‘Our Future’. July 19th – October 12th 2008′
Opening on May 8th 2008 at 7pm, this exhibition shows works by Chen Yu, an artist Red T has been dealing for 3 years. In this time Chen Yu has risen significantly to become a known artist in China. Her works are carefully constructed using oil paint and Chinese lacquer. The effect is beautiful swathes of colour across canvas in what comes across as random patterns, reminiscent of flowers and the female form. Continue reading ‘Red T.art’s second JW Marriott Exhibition: Chen Yu’
Simply because lots of people have been asking about my views on China, here is my conclusive rant - a warning: It is somewhat self-indulgent…
Continue reading ‘Insightful Rant: Changing Attitudes in China - a study’
I am determined to use this whole nightmareish experience to get some real meaty articles written about the current state of things in China and so while I get on with those, and my move to Singapore, take a look at some of the pictures from the past few weeks. It is so sad but we have dried our eyes, relocated to a new office (where things work) and are back on track with grand plans for the future.
The Guardian were amongst the many media which covered the event. Read more here and watch the Guardian video about it all here
We went from this:
by Wang Wei
To this:
by Oak Taylor-Smith
and this:
by Oak Taylor-Smith
To this:
by Ed Peto
and this:
by Ed Peto
There was word straight from building management’s mouth that we would be torn down today but having sent out 2 confirmation parties this morning, we are now told by the workers, that it will happen tomorrow (9th March) afternoon. Again, I will try to send people to confirm before I ring the alarm but that is the new standby date… Continue reading ‘Update 4: actual demolition time?’
Our ‘De-Face’ ended up being a great success with around 400 people tuning up to leave their contributions on the walls. A photographic treat for the hoards of snap happy visitors, with some professionals and media weaving amongst the crowds. We have been left with some really great graffiti images and wall paintings in literally, every possible space of wall, glass, metal, mirror, even the toilet and air-conditioning units got it. Also some great slogans; ‘Red T is the Red Sun in our hearts’ and ‘I Love Red T’. At least we know we have been appreciated. Continue reading ‘Update 3: A Success and a New Address’
So, things remain as up in the air as they possibly could but Soos and his graffiti team are moving into the space THIS Saturday afternoon (March 1st) and I figure we make the whole day into the ‘De-Face’ party day. Looks like we’ll have no electricity anyway so the day light will help. Bring your paint brushes and lets create our final ode to the 798 Red T Space.
Lets say from 2pm….
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