The Chinese art market is full of commercial exploitation. What I am looking for, is gaining access to a peaceful mind of an artist through his artwork.
Did art play an important role in your childhood and teenage years?
No, art did not play a very important role for me back then. I studied business management and currently work in the field of internet start-ups. However, I am always interested in anything related to art and keep a look-out for new developments in the field.
What made you interested in the arts?
Actually, it was a coincidence. I live in Beijing, a city full of cultural events. I live very close to 798, the famous art community in Beijing. This means that I can easily visit the galleries or attend events in the area. Many friends of mine work in the art field as well.
Do you actively participate in public art life?
I have many people from the art world in my circle of friends – artists, art critics and agents. However, I do not have many connections to other collectors. Apart from my art circle friends, I am the only one collecting art out of my family and colleagues.
For you, what is art? A passion? An investment?
Art is a personal hobby for me above all. As you can see, I mainly collect young artists born after 1980. The range of prices I am prepared to pay varies between CNY 10,000 and 50,000 (USD 1,600 to 8,000). For an investment that would be very risky!
How and when did you start collecting?
My collection began with a purchase of an oil-painting from an online shop in 2011. The painting was Zhao Yiqian’s “Tomorrow’s Star” (2008, oil on canvas). In the last two years, I have purchased over 10 artworks including those of Zhao Yiqian, Wang Congbo, Liu Pengfei, Hang Chunhui, Feng Guilin and Tao Xinglin.
What artworks do you prefer to purchase for your collection?
I mainly prefer artworks from young artists born after 1980 who have graduated from a fine art academy with solid painting skills. Although they are not famous, they have a very good vision of art.
Has your taste changed since you started collecting?
I have found that my taste has changed over time. I always have new inspiration and discover new artists. What matters most to me seems to have changed as well: now it is the characteristics and life philosophy of the artists that drive my purchasing decisions.
Who do you consider to be a promising artist?
This would have to be Feng Guilin, an artist I know in person. He leads a very simple life and follows a simple philosophy without much desire for fame. For him, painting is the most important thing in his life. In today’s China and its impetuous atmosphere, he is unique.
So is it very important for you to meet the artists who created the artwork?
Definitely. I was known to the media for buying artworks on the internet. However those artworks only make up part of my collection.
When purchasing artworks, do you consult advisors or rely on the opinion of others?
Normally I listen to the suggestions of my agent or my art critic friends. As I said before, I would have to meet the artists before making a final decision whether to purchase from them.
Where do you display your collection? Is it publicly accessible?
The paintings from my collection hang on the walls at home. If approached, I gladly loan works from my collection to exhibitions.
To conclude, what do you see as the main difference between other collectors and you?
Put simply, I am a collector from a middle class background and my motivation for collecting is pure passion. The Chinese art market is full of commercial exploitation. What I am looking for is gaining access to a peaceful mind of an artist through his artwork.
