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Guan Jian's The Soul of Earth-Paddy Fragrance. |
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The field and fortunes of modern art in China continue to develop at a heretofore unprecedented rate, and overall the operators of art galleries are carving out a successful and profitable market share. In 2005, in Beijing alone, the aggregate volume of art transacted through auctions reached 9.15 billion yuan. Even so, the domestic art market is far from saturation.
“The days when art galleries had to struggle by themselves is over,” said Li Jianguang, manager of the Century Art Garden. “In the 1990s, if a gallery was already established here, I would open mine far away, for fear that we might grab deals from each other. Currently, since both resources and the market have expanded, we operators expect a group effect benefit.”
Just opened this year, Guanyintang Gallery Street is located in WangsiyingTownship, Chaoyang District, in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, about a 10-minute drive from the city’s CBD (Central Business District). Already on one side of the 1,000-meter-long street is a lineup of 44 art galleries, each fronted by a promotional billboard in a distinctive style. Adding to the cosmopolitan streetside ambience, several European-style cafes are scattered amidst the galleries.
“We had long thought of establishing a specialized gallery district, but could not find a proper location,” said Zhang Jin, board director of the Century Art Garden. “Now that Chinese art market trade has become brisk, we think that if the galleries’ resources can be amalgamated and put into full play, common success will be achieved.”
Expanding Gallery Base
Century Art Garden was the first gallery to relocate to Guanyintang Gallery Street. The manager, Li Jianguang, got his start in the business in the 1990s. He had previously planned to buy a house in which he would operate his gallery, but when he learned of the street, he changed course, forecasting good prospects for the concept. Having operated within art circles for more than 10 years, Li developed many friendships in the industry. Following his lead, several other gallery operators also relocated to the street.
Compared to other art districts, Guanyintang Gallery Street is purely devoted to art galleries, with no painter studios, thus a strong commercial atmosphere is projected, with visitors able to get a taste of varying artistic styles.
The Taiwan-based AsiaArtCenter, founded in 1982, recently established a branch gallery in this district, the first on the mainland. The gallery mainly deals in the paintings of avant-garde artists, and many modern artists have signed contracts with the gallery. To distinguish itself from its peer galleries within the district, their merchandise is oriented to modern art. “While some other galleries are devoted to academism, we would operate in another style,” said Alan Lee, manager of the AsiaArtCenter (Beijing). “At least, conflict is thus avoided.”
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Wang Dajun's Children Images. |
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The Future of a Street
The rise of modern art in China has consolidated many gallery owners’ confidence. So, too, have gallery operators based overseas been motivated to enter the Sino market. According to the present plan, says Zhang Jin, the ongoing development of Guanyintang Gallery Street will follow the model of successful art districts in foreign countries. And in the future the galleries will be open 24 hours a day and jointly hold exhibitions on a regular basis.
“We’ll also hold an annual art expo, and we will also hold joint exhibitions to expand our influence,” said Zhang Jin.
