LA Art Show (2013), Installation View

The LA Art show held its opening night premier party on Wednesday, January 23rd at the LA Convention Center. During the Patron Hours, James Franco was the guest of honor and was joined by an eclectic LA crowd, with an incredible mix ranging from the overtly contemporary to the traditionally elegant. Entering its 18th year, the fair has earned a reputation for its well planned juxtaposition of traditional and modern art, and this year’s edition was no different.  The milling crowd moved easily from the traditional to contemporary sections and back, taking their time to comb through the sheer scale of the festival and its one hundred prominent worldwide galleries.

LA Art Show (2013), Installation View

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Ai Weiwei, Rebars-Lucerne (Installation View) via Galerie Urs Meile

Blurring the line between social, political and artistic space, the work of dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei uses his practice to give voice to marginalized facets of the Chinese cultural and political landscape.  His is an art of awareness, presenting the political-social climate of China in his own terms, merging the presentation of his art with that of his own experience. (more…)

Having just opened its doors in October, the Power Station of Art in Shanghai is already making big moves as China’s first state-run contemporary art museum.  The 19th century industrial site was converted by the state into a premier public art center, and is currently hosting a massive exhibition in collaboration with the Centre Pompidou in Paris to show 119 of the Centre’s works.  “It is a prestige object for the city, to have a museum that, at least in scale, can compete with Tate Modern in London or MoMA in New York,” says Jens Hoffmann, co-curator of the Shanghai Biennale. (more…)

Sotheby’s has taken steps toward increasing its visibility in China by inking an agreement with state-run Beijing GeHua Art Company, which gives Sotheby’s an 80% stake in the organization, in exchange for $1.2 million. The global art dealer may now have the option of trading in mainland China; without a local partner, foreign houses may not conduct business in the country in areas other than Hong Kong.

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‬The Economist writes on the political and economic factors behind mainland China-based galleries expanding into Hong Kong: “A presence in Hong Kong makes a lot of sense for us. We can show [our artists’] work to a wider and more diverse audience” says Steven Harris, founder of M97 in Shanghai.

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‬A new interview with artist and social activist Ai Wei Wei highlights his continued conflict with the Chinese government: ““It has never been important to stay, until now”, “I never really think I have done too much. I just gave one person’s opinion and I tried to be calm and I never did anything to hurt anyone”.

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On the Chinese factor within the art market: “The Chinese stars initially anointed by the West are still the segment’s top sellers, but the Chinese are also seeking out lesser-known artists whose works center on potent themes like political corruption.” [AO Newslink]

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