Australia's role in Chinese contemporary art
Dr Geoff Raby AO
Chinese contemporary art first burst on the international gallery, collecting and museum scene at the end of the 1990s. This followed a long gestation period from the late 1970s, when China’s Reform and Open-Door policies began to transform China’s economy and place in the world and – most importantly – its people. Chinese contemporary art is both a product of and a commentator on one of the most profound economic and social transformations in human history.
Australia played a central role in the development of Chinese contemporary art and continues to do so to today. In part, this came from Australia’s early political embrace of the new policies of the Chinese government to engage deeply with the outside world, through commerce and exchanges of people, be they students, tourists, diplomats, business people and, perhaps most importantly, simply the curious.
From the middle of the 1980s, young Chinese artists, many of whom would form the backbone of the Contemporary Art movement in China, and many featured at Vermillion Art, found in Australia a welcoming and supportive environment no matter whether they were short-term visitors exchanging ideas or were to become long-term residents.
Artists at Vermillion, such as Fang Lijun, who is synonymous with China’s contemporary art movement, held his first ever public exhibition outside of China in Australia. Cang Xin’s performance art and photography are icons of Chinese contemporary art. Xiao Lu, Li Jin and Chen Wenling are now collected by major museums around the world.
Importantly, Vermillion represents not only such stellar names but also artists that have eschewed fashion and trends, such as Lin Chunyan, but who for thirty-five years have been an integral part of the artistic integrity of Chinese contemporary art. Vermillion has also been introducing young up and coming artists to Australia, such as Geng Xue (featured at China’s Venice Biennale pavilion).
Through Vermillion Art, Australia continues its leading role in the international development and recognition of Chinese Contemporary Art.
Dr Geoff Raby AO is the former Australian Ambassador to China (2007 - 2011).
Dr Geoff Raby AO
Chinese contemporary art first burst on the international gallery, collecting and museum scene at the end of the 1990s. This followed a long gestation period from the late 1970s, when China’s Reform and Open-Door policies began to transform China’s economy and place in the world and – most importantly – its people. Chinese contemporary art is both a product of and a commentator on one of the most profound economic and social transformations in human history.
Australia played a central role in the development of Chinese contemporary art and continues to do so to today. In part, this came from Australia’s early political embrace of the new policies of the Chinese government to engage deeply with the outside world, through commerce and exchanges of people, be they students, tourists, diplomats, business people and, perhaps most importantly, simply the curious.
From the middle of the 1980s, young Chinese artists, many of whom would form the backbone of the Contemporary Art movement in China, and many featured at Vermillion Art, found in Australia a welcoming and supportive environment no matter whether they were short-term visitors exchanging ideas or were to become long-term residents.
Artists at Vermillion, such as Fang Lijun, who is synonymous with China’s contemporary art movement, held his first ever public exhibition outside of China in Australia. Cang Xin’s performance art and photography are icons of Chinese contemporary art. Xiao Lu, Li Jin and Chen Wenling are now collected by major museums around the world.
Importantly, Vermillion represents not only such stellar names but also artists that have eschewed fashion and trends, such as Lin Chunyan, but who for thirty-five years have been an integral part of the artistic integrity of Chinese contemporary art. Vermillion has also been introducing young up and coming artists to Australia, such as Geng Xue (featured at China’s Venice Biennale pavilion).
Through Vermillion Art, Australia continues its leading role in the international development and recognition of Chinese Contemporary Art.
Dr Geoff Raby AO is the former Australian Ambassador to China (2007 - 2011).
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Contact us
info@vermilionart.com.au
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Gallery Director
Dr Yeqin Zuo 左業勤 yzuo@vermilionart.com.au T +61 (2) 9241 3323 / M +61 408 993 049 |
Gallery Manager
Man Luo 罗曼 mluo@vermilionart.com.au T +61 (2) 9241 3323 / M +61 451 941 017 |
