The Red Dragon
Art is a reflection of society. Buildings are built according to the ideals of the flourishing empire and paintings may portray the type of life people envision. With the rise of a new social or cultural movement, new buildings are erected and those of the past demolished. Hence, to understand the past or to know the future, we can turn to art and architecture.
With the liberalization and rapid development of the 1.3 billion people nation, China is turning heads of many around the world. China as a superpower commands respect, admiration as well as fear in the eyes of many politicians. Businessmen are now all jumping onto the Chinese bandwagon, to get their slice of the pie as the Chinese economy grows exponentially. They are not the only ones, artists and architects are looking towards the Red Dragon once again.
Chinese Art is making a comeback and it is now bigger and bolder. Contemporary Chinese interior design maintains its penchant for details but includes new and modern elements like steel. The use of bold colours—lime green, sunshine yellow, neon pink replacing the traditional wooden finishing—signifies the great leap forward for China once again. This exciting movement is certainly worth paying close attention to.
Old vs. New
Traditional Chinese architecture focuses on the delicate details of each piece of furniture. This can be seen in the elaborate wood carvings of dragons and phoenixes. The meticulous artist pays attention to all the elements then intricately crafts his art as a whole. The final product, an article that is continuous, where there is a seamless transition from lines to curves. The look is extremely polished.
While the old Chinese design may prove to be a little stuffy for most of us, contemporary Chinese architecture is exciting. A greater mix of materials and colours brings life to Chinese art, transforming it from its old fashioned self.
Traditional floral patterns are toned down by reducing its design complexity to give a slightly more neutral look. By painting these patterns on a lime green wall or lacquer it over a brown wall, an eclectic effect is created. Who would imagine that Chinese art can be combined with sleek modern edges and clean lines of steel cabinets?
By increasing the size of the Chinese daybed, yoke back armchairs and console tables, then painting them a pink panther or sunshine yellow, the contemporary Chinese furniture can bring life to any neutral tone house.
Chinese Art
Chinese Art can be divided into periods by the ruling dynasties of China and the changing technologies. Politics, education, philosophy and religion also influence the direction of art.
From the Shang Dynasty focus on the clarity of details, to Song’s emphasis on spiritual elements in subtle expressions of landscape and Ming’s perfection in colour painting, traditions were followed strictly to maintain the prestige and culture of the prevailing periods. Modern Chinese art however, is said to have departed from the avant-garde movement’s focus on social and political change. Critiques claim that many artists are dropping political or social themes altogether to create works that appeal to the aesthetic sense of wealthy buyers. Mao Ze Dong’s portraits are now created in dark and cynical hues that are incompatible with his image at the peak of his career.
This emphasis on pretty pictures in the 1990s however, reflects the change in cultural make up of the society towards the goals of wealth and economic power and the formation of a white collar and commercial culture. The likes of Xu Bing (leader of Chinese avant-garde art), Huang Yong Ping and Cai Quo Qiang among many others were thought to be disregarded by the public.
The changing economy provided contemporary artists new themes despite the foreseen demise of social commentary—the desire to get rich quickly, competitiveness, widening income gap, consumerism, leisure. The new ideology in China led to Political Pop and Cynical Realism styles.
The focus on portraits in modern Chinese art also expounds on the themes of individualism, desire and reality showing how people comprehend and reconstruct the roles amid the confusion of the city life. There is some sort of abstract qualities to the portraits with certain alien like qualities that varies from blank expressions to wide eye astonishment.
Avant-garde themes are still favoured in contemporary Chinese art; it is just that the forms are prettier, more personal and private in subject matter and more professional in technique. Social commentary is still alive.
Where to get Contemporary Chinese Art
Linda Gallery—established in 1990, specialises in contemporary Chinese art and Indonesian paintings. he gallery has held numerous exhibitions, featuring works by famous Chinese Contemporary artists, Indonesian maestros, Indo–European artists, as well as other South East Asian artists. #01-03 Block 15 Dempsey Road, Tanglin Village.
Jasmine Fine Arts—Specialises in contemporary Chinese art and holds regular exhibitions. It has exhibited works by Zeng Fangzhi (in collaboration with the Singapore Art Museum) and Yang Jinsong. 290 Orchard Road, #05-25 Paragon.
Kwan Hua Art Gallery—Offers a good selection of Oriental and contemporary Chinese art, including thoe by Bai Jin Shun, Zeng Jie and Zhang Xian Ming. Prices range from 1-6k. 19 Tanglin Road, #02-61 Tanglin Shopping Centre
Ode To Art—One of the largest galleries in Singapore. 252North Bridge Road, Raffles City Shopping Centre #01-36E/F
Singapore Art Museum (SAM)—Has exhibitions featuring works of Chinese contemporary artists. Zeng Fangzhi has been featured previously. The exhibition, entitled Idealism, showcased 36 major works including his celebrated series Hospital, Meat, Mask and Portraits. 71 Bras Basah Road
Soobin Art International—One of the first local galleries to carry contemporary Chinese art. The gallery has represented some top artists like Yue Minjun, Wang Guanyi, Zhang Xiaogang, Ye Yong Qing etc. While the gallery has sold its collections by these famous artists, it continues to promote new artists from places like Szechuan and Chengdu. 140 Hill Street #01-10/11/12 MICA Building.
Luxury travel to China effectively introduces you to the trendiest art galleries, the best restaurants and insider access whilst being based in the most luxurious hotels.