By Lin, Yu-cheng
ART TAIPEI is set to celebrate its 30th milestone this month. This edition welcomes a remarkable participation of 145 galleries, both domestically and internationally, and the exhibition space allocated to galleries has surpassed previous records. The trust in the ART TAIPEI, cultivated over the years, has made it a prominent art exchange platform among Taiwan, Japan, China, and Korea. In recent years, with evolving trends, there's been a growing presence of galleries from Southeast Asia and even Europe and America.
Art Fair for Everyone: Galleries' Insights and Strategies on ART TAIPEI
Nevertheless, ART TAIPEI undoubtedly offers varied values and significance for galleries of different characteristics. Before the launch of a series of events, we approached gallery owners representing four distinct exhibition traits - "Classical, " "Contemporary," "Return," and "Overseas" - and inviting them to share their experiences and perspectives on the fair.
【The Xi Zhi Tang Gallery: A Pioneering Exploration of Literati Aesthetics in Contemporary Art】
Ms. Chen Hsiao-chun, Founder & Director of Xi Zhi Tang Gallery. Photo by the interviewer and editor.
Established around the same time as ART TAIPEI, the Xi Zhi Tang Gallery has, for three decades, has primarily focused on modern ink art. It emphasizes professional curation and the operation of high-value art pieces, with significant focus on research and publishing. In recent years, under the ethos of "sustained artistic character," the gallery has ventured into diverse explorations, fostering a dialogue between classical aesthetics and contemporary society.
A view of Xi Zhi Tang in ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of Xi Zhi Tang)
A solid customer base has consistently bolstered Xi Zhi Tang Gallery's exhibition and sales capacity, whether in its own space or in collaboration with cultural institutions. This foundation ensures that 'aesthetic promotion' remains a top priority for Xi Zhi Tang Gallery in both domestic and international art fairs. Participating in ART TAIPEI is more than just an annual moment for the gallery to promote ink aesthetics; it's also an opportunity to showcase its commitment to its artistic mission.
In recent years, Xi Zhi Tang Gallery has placed a particular emphasis on reinterpreting the aesthetics of the literati. Through meticulous curation, the gallery ensures that outstanding artworks receive more opportunities to be appreciated. While maintaining its taste and standards, Xi Zhi Tang Gallery continually explores contemporary presentation methods. By adopting an open selection approach, the gallery juxtaposes artworks of varying themes, age groups, and even price ranges, showcasing the broader possibilities of ink art in today's world.
【Bluerider ART Gallery: A Selection of Mature and Avant-garde Works of Historical Significance】
Ms. Elsa WANG, Founder of Bluerider ART Gallery. Photo by the interviewer and editor.
From Taipei and Shanghai to London, Bluerider ART, supported by its accomplished curatorial team, is devoted to the research and promotion of contemporary art. Embracing the spirituality of art and the romance of a knight, Bluerider ART collaborates with many mature artists of epochal significance from Europe and America, meticulously tracing their creative journeys and curating exhibitions.
A view of Bluerider ART Gallery in ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of Bluerider ART Gallery)
For Bluerider ART, participating in ART TAIPEI resonates with its own brand development journey.
Looking back over the past decade of exhibition experiences, when Bluerider ART initially introduced Western contemporary art to Taiwanese audiences, the relatively avant-garde and novel artistic forms drew attention but also frequently garnered mixed and uncertain feedback.. However, with years of dedication and the trend of global exchange, audiences today can more naturally comprehend and connect with the artworks. This shift indicates that the expectations of Taiwanese audiences for art are continually rising, aligning more closely with international trends.
With years of experience bolstering their confidence, Bluerider ART, for this edition, will continue to exhibit under the theme of "New Creations by Established Artists," while presenting artworks that span various price ranges. By enhancing both the quality and quantity of artworks on display, they aspire to once again delight audiences and achieve mutual growth.
【Mind Set Art Center: Juxtaposing the Artistic Landscapes of Asia-Pacific and the Global Arena】
Mr. Andre LEE, Founder & Director of Mind Set Art Center. Photo by the interviewer and editor.
Mind Set Art Center has always been centered on organizing inspirational art exhibitions, offering a high-caliber platform for both domestic and international outstanding artists. The brand collaborates with various cultural institutions, achieving a harmonious balance between academia and industry. With its comprehensive and meticulous curatorial approach, it showcases its passion and expertise in the arts.
A view of Mind Set Art Center in ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of Mind Set Art Center)
Amid high anticipation from numerous attendees, the globally experienced Mind Set Art Center made its return to ART TAIPEI after 2021. Compared to the themed exhibitions in its own space, the selections from Mind Set Art Center for the art fair are often characterized by their 'comprehensive' nature." There's a heightened emphasis on balancing the age, background, and style of artists. For instance, this edition features ten artists from Taiwan and eight from abroad. The exhibition layout is designed to provide as much individual wall space as possible for each artist. This allows the thought-provoking new works to be viewed and appreciated more vividly amidst the substantial foot traffic.
A view of Mind Set Art Center in ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of Mind Set Art Center)
In its recent participation over the last two years, Mind Set Art Center has observed ART TAIPEI's consistent sales and its trend towards a younger audience, signaling the maturation of cultural development in Taiwanese society. With intensified global competition, Taiwanese collectors are now looking globally, and their expectations for art are rapidly increasing. Recognizing this trend, Mind Set Art Center puts forth a strategic idea: "ART TAIPEI doesn't need to focus on global scale but should authentically showcase the best of Asia-Pacific art."
【SHUKADO+SCENA: Delving into the Timeless Qualities from Classical to Contemporary】
Mr. Chiaki Tanaka, President of SHUKADO+SCENA gallery.(Photo courtesy of SHUKADO+SCENA)
Located in Tokyo, SHUKADO+SCENA with a focus on ancient Japanese art and has gradually shifted its focus to modern and contemporary works over recent years. The gallery features a comprehensive and well-established roster of artists, spanning across paintings, sculptures, and crafts. Within artworks that span the tapestry of historical timelines, there lies a relentless pursuit of the shared essence of humanity's aesthetic experience.
A view of SHUKADO+SCENA in ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of SHUKADO+SCENA)
Since 2012, the SHUKADO+SCENA gallery has been a regular presence at ART TAIPEI, and in recent years, has actively participated in major art fairs organized by the Taiwan Art Gallery Association. To Taiwanese audiences, this gallery is no stranger. Even in the face of the challenges posed by the recent pandemic, they embraced quarantine measures to ensure their continued participation. It's evident that their dedication over the past two years has fostered a strong bond with the audience. For the SHUKADO+SCENA gallery, the open, diverse, and mutually respectful ambiance of ART TAIPEI stands unparalleled. The guided tours during the fair offer a particularly welcoming and helpful experience for overseas exhibitors. Their continued presence testifies that ART TAIPEI is not just a trusted and collaborative art fair realm but also a pivotal platform for international art exchanges for foreign galleries. Above all, the SHUKADO+SCENA gallery ardently hopes, with each curated exhibit, to share its timeless aesthetic sensibilities.
【Collective Observation】
A view of ART TAIPEI 2022 (photo courtesy of ART TAIPEI)
In their shared narratives, many interviewees spontaneously highlighted ART TAIPEI's unique positioning and advantages within the region. In contrast to art fairs that cast a global net, emphasizing cutting-edge, high-priced works, ART TAIPEI boasts roots deeply embedded within the Asia-Pacific tapestry. Leveraging historical and geographical advantages, the exhibition often succeeds in showcasing the most authentic artistic landscapes from the Chinese-speaking regions, spanning from Northeast to Southeast Asia, resonating profoundly with the lived experiences of the Asia-Pacific audience.
Having garnered an enviable reputation over the years, ART TAIPEI's focus transcends merely high-priced art pieces. Instead, it aspires to offer an egalitarian stage, where artists of all kinds can shine and gain exposure. For art aficionados keen on building collections, it presents a spectrum of choices across various price points. The fair consistently fosters and champions artists and galleries at every stage of their evolution. Undoubtedly, as the landscape of international art fairs intensifies with burgeoning competition, how ART TAIPEI strengthens its foundation, further elevating public art outreach, gallery support, and the caliber of VIP services, will be compelling facets to watch in the forthcoming chapters.
As ART TAIPEI celebrates its 30th anniversary, it holds significant unifying power and serves as a benchmark for Taiwan's art industry. With the mounting challenges the Taiwanese art sector faces today, questions surrounding "What the next chapter for ART TAIPEI will be? " have become crucial for both galleries and art enthusiasts. However, there's a collective belief that, with continued efforts from all corners, the future remains bright and deserving of the attention and anticipation.