One of China’s leading art expos, Art Beijing, turns 10 this year. The opening on May 1 saw artists, designers, gallery owners, and public all gathered at the Agriculture Exhibition Center to see the new works and designs.
Art Beijing 2015, often described as a symbol of Chinese attitude, is marking its 10th year. With a decade of notable contributions to the art world, the fair is still growing.
It features almost 140 galleries and art organizations worldwide.
Though the number of exhibitors seemed flatter than last year, organizers say this year’s focus has shifted quite a bit.
“There has been a bit of change to this year’s expo. We are paying more attention to the qualification of the exhibitors and adopted tighter screening systems than the previous year. We are also providing larger rooms for the presentation. My proudest part is the Design Pavilion, which we just launched this year. We invited top creative people from GQ Magazine, Elle Decoration, and many other places to help us design this lifestyle themed space,” Said Sam Lee, executive director of Art Beijing.
The four components are the Contemporary Art Pavilion, the Classic Art Pavilion, the Art Park and the newly added Design Pavilion.
Collectors, critics, artists and gallery owners from different countries and regions have brought their works.
First time participant Australian gallery director, Trevor Victor Harvey, says more and more bi-cultural artists like Palla Jeroffm whom he represents, are gaining popularity in China. Jeroff is originally from the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in Northwest China, and has spent 26 years in Australia.
“it’s interesting to bring his Australian-influenced Asian art connection. I prefer Palla as a bridge between East and West because he can bring the spirit of the beautiful Asian art making and the experience of finding an Australian connection with the landscape and the feeling and bring the spirit together and create this beautiful work,” Harvey said.
Another first time exhibitor, Hsiao Fuyuan from Taiwan, says China provides the best environment for artists to be inspired and to grow.
“In China, when you leave for one month it changes. There’s a new spirit and new progression all the time. The stimulation for the artists from different backgrounds is very strong here, which is a perfect place for them to learn and experiment with art. This is a place where history, tradition and contemporary ideas clash,” Fuyuan said.
Sam Lee said that these works don’t just represent the brands but also represent the attitude of the Chinese. He hopes that in the next 10 years, Art Beijing can bring more cutting edge, more sophisticated and more professional works from China and overseas. The exhibition will last until May 3rd.
