Source: CCTV.com

04-10-2009 09:01

Chinese contemporary art prices have skyrocketed over the past five years. But the global recession has been deflating sales. Some local artists have treated the current economic environment as a chance for painters and buyers to reflect on China's art and its market. An art exhibition by Chinese and South Korean artists in Beijing is one of these opportunities.

It's the biggest jointly-held art exhibition by Chinese and South Korean artists since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992. 
It's the biggest jointly-held art exhibition by Chinese and South
Korean artists since the two countries established diplomatic relations
in 1992. 

It's the biggest jointly-held art exhibition by Chinese and South Korean artists since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

There are no specific standards for artists to participate. It's not important what kind of "--ism" an artist's work represents as long as it is expressed in an original way. Nearly one thousand pieces from about 130 South Korean painters are now on display at Guanyintang Art Street in Beijing. About one-thousand works of Chinese painters are also shown in the nearly 40 galleries there.

Curator Wang Cao said, "The exhibition is open to all artists who are proud and confident of their own culture. Asia boasts a long history and rich culture. But we have followed the aesthetic standard of western art and the rules of their market operation for a few years. We want to re-build the confidence of Asian artists."

There are no specific standards for artists to participate.
There are no specific standards for artists to participate.

Wang says art has become a popular investment vehicle in China in recent years, along with real estate and the stock markets. And the art boom has attracted speculative dealers who treat works of art, just as any other commodity.

From this perspective, the current tough times in the global economy have helped to shake out the art market. Since the bubble is bursting, art spectators are moving on to chase other high-flying investments. But true art lovers and collectors are staying with an investment that is close to their heart.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen