4th Asian Art Expo thrives in 2012

Dubbed one of Beijing's largest professional art fairs, the 4th Asian Art Expo is giving the capital's art scene a strong start for the year 2012.

The four-day art show held at the China World Trade Center is an occasion not only for domestic and foreign artists, but also investors from around the world and art enthusiasts of all ages. As the expo officially lowered its curtain over the weekend, let's review some of the highlights.

Supported by China's Ministry of Commerce and the EU-China Economic and Cultural Committee, this was the fourth time that the Asian Art Expo collected renowned and promising art pieces from all over Asia, and put up an exhibition in Beijing.

From traditional Chinese and oil painting to sculpture and art installations, about 700 galleries and individuals took part in the event. And for the first time ever, bronze and clay sculptures are featured as a headlining section.

David Wien, chief curator of 2012 Asian Art Expo, said, "We've been focusing on paintings mostly, so it may seem a bit traditional. But I believe that an art exhibition like ours should reflect the general art environment, so now we have a section for sculptures, and we're looking forward to introducing other modern art forms such as visual sets, animations, 3D productions, interactive installations and kids' creations in the future."

From traditional Chinese and oil painting to sculpture and art installations, about 700 galleries and individuals took part in the event. And for the first time ever, bronze and clay sculptures are featured as a headlining section.

David Wien, chief curator of 2012 Asian Art Expo, said, "We've been focusing on paintings mostly, so it may seem a bit traditional. But I believe that an art exhibition like ours should reflect the general art environment, so now we have a section for sculptures, and we're looking forward to introducing other modern art forms such as visual sets, animations, 3D productions, interactive installations and kids' creations in the future."

Besides homecoming artists, there are foreigners who have become obsessed with Chinese art forms. Many exhibition goers were amazed to realize that these calligraphy works come from the hands of an Iranian-born American. To the surprise of many he started practicing calligraphy only two years ago, and he obviously knows the key to comprehending and improving.

Children of all ages are welcomed in the expo. There is also a charity project of primary school students from Yuying School who painted a 40-meter-long scroll. Unrestricted shapes and dazzling colors - the parents are just as surprised as the organizers to see how the children's kaleidoscopic imagination bloomed onto a plain white canvas.

An exhibition goer said, "I brought my kid here to let her have a first impression about fine arts, because there are so many diverse styles. It's a good opportunity, and she likes it a lot."

The main purpose of the art expo is to offer a platform for outstanding Asian artists and introduce them to high-end markets. A series of selected works will be included in this year's "Salon d' Automne", an innovative annual art showcase in Paris. However, the organizers take it as a solemn responsibility that goes beyond promoting authentic art. They are making efforts to reinvent an unbiased aesthetic manner of artistic assessment on Asian pieces, rather than losing the initiative to the western fine art principals.

David Wien said, "We have to admit the construction of modern fine art heavily relies on the western canons, but it wouldn't be helpful if all our creation stays under the roof of occidental rules. It's difficult to set up an aesthetics system of our own, but we have received much support."

Meanwhile, the art expo is hospitable to art enthusiasts and scholars from art institutions. In 2010, Asian Art Expo was invited to present a stand-alone exhibition in Shanghai's World Expo Theme Pavilion, and later this year the organizers will carry on more extended projects including art forums, workshops and exhibition tours to spread the Asian spirit.