Wang Huai Qing 王懷慶: Fifty Years of Selected Works Exhibition

Curator：王嘉驥 (Chia Chi Jason Wang) 

Photo of Wang Huai Qing (left) and Wu Guan Zhong (Right)

"Wang Huaiqing: Fifty Years of Painting" organized by the Asia University Museum of Modern Art, offers a deep dive into the multifaceted artistic journey of Wang Huaiqing. This exhibition is a treasure trove of his style, thoughts, and understanding, offering valuable insights for all of us.

Born and raised in Beijing, Wang Huaiqing embodies the rich cultural heritage of the imperial capital. Wang’s admission to the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts (now the Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University) in 1964 marked the beginning of his artistic journey. However, the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) disrupted his studies, forcing students and faculty to labor in the countryside. As a result, Wang didn’t graduate until 1971. From 1975 to 1978, while working in stage design, he began experimenting with oil paint and explored serial pictures and book illustrations.

In 1979, Wang advanced to the graduate program at the Central Academy of Arts and Crafts, where he studied under the renowned painting maestro Wu Guanzhong (1919-2010), who deeply recognized and appreciated his talent. By the early 1980s, Wang began to make his mark on the Chinese art scene. His early works, influenced by his academy training, were predominantly realist, focusing on historical and social themes. However, the mid-1980s marked a turning point. Inspired by the Jiangnan region and the black tile and white walls characteristic of Hui-style architecture, he shifted to landscape painting with irregular geometric shapes.

5000 Years, 2003 Oil on canvas 350 x 300 cm ( Private Collection)

Houses, 1987 Oil on Canvas 90 x 71.5cm (Private Collection)

In the mid-1980s, Wang started to experiment more boldly, blending figurative and abstract elements in his work. The 1990s saw another significant evolution. Wang found inspiration in the wooden structures of Ming-style furniture, especially the mortise and tenon joints. He deconstructed these structures and then reassembled or juxtaposed the wooden components on canvas, creating a unique artistic style. He also explored ink painting and began embedding cultural meanings into his work. Using tangible objects from reality, Wang highlighted the fractures in contemporary Chinese society, linking them to its history and traditions. This period marked a profound sense of reconstruction and deconstruction in his art, with his earlier geometric shapes evolving into a blend of abstraction and figurative expressionism.

One of the most striking aspects of Wang’s work from this era is his portrayal of Ming-style furniture. His images often show furniture structurally collapsed or scattered, evoking a sense of melancholy. The components are displayed in soft, irregular geometric forms, as if the tables and chairs are falling apart or have been devastated by fire or explosion, giving a sense of dilapidated ruin. Wu Guanzhong described this as a "tragic sense lurking in his art."

Wang Huaiqing also uses the layering and positioning of chairs to create spatial layers and cultural connotations. He interprets the relationship between wood, life, history, and culture, exploring themes of power, balance, and the seizure of power through the depiction of chairs.

House in a House-Red Bed, 2002 Oil and mixed media on canvas 240 x 240cm (Private Collection)

Red Powder, 2005 Oil on canvas 200 x 420 cm (Private Collection)

Night Revel (Han Xizai's Night Reveal-1), 1996 Oil on canvas 196 x 346 cm (Collection of Leco Foundation)

Utilizing creative reformation based on legacy, Wang Huaiqing built a bridge to reconnect himself with tradition. Reflecting the spirit and essence of traditional Chinese culture has always been at the core of Wang Huaiqing's artistic practice. The Chinese Emperor series, developed from 2008 to 2016, comprises works in which he appropriated masterpieces from the history of Chinese painting. Through innovation and transformation, he incorporated his philosophy to create a dialogue across time and space. The images in the Chinese Emperor series are portrayed with reference to historical Chinese portraits, often drawing directly from the emperor portraits produced by court painters, particularly from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These depictions are specifically based on works from the Palace Museum.

Chinese Emperor-3, 2013-2014 Oil mixed media on canvas (Collection CTBC Bank)

Wang Huaiqing wrote : 『把與藝術無關的，可有可無的，繪畫承擔不了的，負擔不起的統統趕出畫面，只剩下\不容置疑的，不能商量的，不可無視的。』

"Expel from the canvas everything unrelated to art, the superfluous, and what painting cannot bear or afford. Only the undeniable, non-negotiable, and unavoidable remain."

I genuinely believe that this philosophy is still relevant today. Wang Huaiqing's legacy will endure, making this exhibition well worth visiting. Nearly 50 paintings and sculptural works are on display. Through this exhibition, we aim to offer contemporary art enthusiasts a glimpse into the artistic locus and essence of Wang Huaiqing.

New York's Art Scene Faces Unprecedented Gallery Closures

New York’s art scene is reeling from multiple high-profile gallery closures. Simone Subal Gallery will shutter later this month, joining the likes of David Lewis Gallery in ceasing operations. These closures add to the growing list of Manhattan galleries shutting their doors, following the exit of at least six Manhattan galleries last year. In Tribeca, Denny Gallery, JTT Gallery, and Queer Thoughts—all spaces that operated for at least a decade or more—closed within the second half of 2023. With iconic spaces like Cheim & Read also shutting down after 26 years in operation, the art world is left wondering: why?

photograph by Abbie Bernet

The reasons are manifold. The migration of the art market to online platforms, while offering new opportunities for smaller, emerging galleries, has presented significant challenges for established galleries reliant on traditional in-person auctions and exhibitions. The new landscape no longer necessitates a physical gallery space in a major city to operate successfully. Running a gallery has always been a high-cost endeavor and the economic blows dealt by the pandemic have only exacerbated this

Photograph by Juliette Contin

For artists, losing a gallery can be tough but not catastrophic—they often find new dealers or go solo. For collectors, it’s a different story. Losing insider access and first dibs on new works disrupts their art-buying game, making the closure of a favored gallery a significant blow.

While this issue seems to be more pronounced in New York, other regions, such as the Asian market, have not been hit as hard. Spotting a gallery in financial distress is also possible. Red flags include massive discounts or sudden staff cuts, and legal filings like tax liens or bankruptcy notices often tell a troubling story.

Is there a wider crisis at play? Possibly. The art market is inherently volatile, and some galleries that struggled following the 2008 financial crisis have never fully recovered.

Bottom line: collectors and artists alike must stay vigilant, recognize the signs of trouble, and take proactive steps to protect their interests in an ever-changing art world.

Photograph by Enric Domas

Art Collecting 101: Building a Diverse Collection

Are you an art enthusiast looking to venture into the captivating world of art collecting? Do you aspire to curate a diverse and captivating art collection that reflects your unique tastes and preferences? Delve into the realm of art collecting with us as we unveil the essential guidelines and insights on how to build a diverse collection that resonates with your soul.

Understanding the Art Market

First and foremost, let's delve into the vibrant and dynamic world of the art market. Being well-versed with the ongoing trends, emerging artists, and market values is crucial for any aspiring art collector. Whether you are new to the art scene or a seasoned collector, staying updated on the art market's fluctuations and advancements is key to making informed decisions.

Sotheby's Modern Evening auction in New York on November 13, 2023. Image courtesy Sotheby's.

As you embark on your art-collecting journey, consider immersing yourself in art editorials, attending art exhibitions, and engaging with fellow art enthusiasts. The art market is ever-evolving, and by staying informed, you can discover hidden gems and uncover rare masterpieces that speak to you on a deeper level.

The Art of Curating a Collection

Building a diverse art collection entails more than just acquiring random pieces; it is about curating a cohesive and harmonious ensemble that tells a story. As an art collector, you are a curator of your own space, shaping the narrative through each artwork you choose to include.

Arario Museum photo credit by artscript

When curating your collection, consider the themes, styles, and mediums that resonate with you. Explore a mix of traditional and contemporary artworks, juxtapose colors and textures, and experiment with different genres to add depth and complexity to your collection. A diverse collection is a reflection of your eclectic tastes and the multifaceted nature of the art world.

Navigating the Art Collector's Journey

Embarking on the art collector's journey is an exhilarating experience filled with exploration, discovery, and appreciation for creativity. Surround yourself with art that evokes emotions, sparks conversations, and challenges your perspective. Remember, art collecting is not just about acquiring objects; it is about building relationships with artists, galleries, and fellow collectors.

Captured by Dali Museum visitor Mollie Stiles.

As you traverse the intricate landscape of the art world, seek guidance from seasoned art collectors and cultivate relationships with reputable art curators who can offer valuable insights and recommendations. Collaborate with artists whose works resonate with you, attend art fairs and auctions, and participate actively in the vibrant art community to expand your horizons and enhance your collection.

Conclusion: Embracing Diversity in Art Collecting

In conclusion, art collecting is a rich and rewarding pursuit that allows you to express your individuality, creativity, and passion for the arts. By embracing diversity in your collection, you open yourself up to a world of endless possibilities, where every artwork has a story to tell and every brushstroke carries meaning.

Embark on your art collecting journey with an open heart and a curious mind, explore various art forms, engage with diverse artists, and let your collection reflect the kaleidoscope of your artistic vision. Remember, the art world is a treasure trove of inspiration and imagination; all you need to do is immerse yourself in its beauty and embrace the magic of art collecting.

Let your collection be a testament to your love for art, your appreciation for creativity, and your commitment to building a harmonious and diverse ensemble that enriches your life and inspires those around you.

Happy collecting!

Remember, art is not what you see, but what you make others see. So, go ahead, dive into the world of art, and let your collection narrate the untold stories of creativity and passion.

Art Market, Art Editorial, Art Collector, Art Curator