Pictures by Qi Wenzhang (Photos: Xu Ming/GT) |
He sees few new things in young artists' works. "It is normal. It takes years and even decades to produce several excellent artists," he said, "besides, the society has entered a smooth period, unlike in the 1980s when there were huge social transitions."
"It is a time when the elder artists decline in creation and the young ones cannot pick up yet," Zhu said, "they need to mature and make breakthroughs in depth and have new discoveries about society as well as improving their theoretical knowledge."
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To Chen, while young artists begin to emerge in the market, elder influencing artists, such as Fang Lijun and Wang Guangyi are still reigning.
Platform China mainly explores innovative and experimental works. "It is hard to spot talent," Chen said, "You must have complete and systematic understanding of both artists and their works." He cited the example of Qi Wenzhang who did not receive education above middle school but shows great potential. "He is special and valuable in that he has been persistent in his painting style without being turned or bounded by so-called popular trends."
He added the job is one of risks and they have to be cautious while paying close attention to young artists. "The process of exploration is full of both possibilities and uncertainty," he said. Even among artists who are regarded as new stars, there are fluctuations.
The same sense of caution is reflected in the auction market. Even though young artists were frequently promoted in 2012, the market responded cautiously with the number of young artists' works declining in several major auctions such as Sotheby's and China Guardian.
Zhu Qi said that young artists need time to amass and there is no rising group at present. The attention being paid now is mainly a market phenomenon. "Some comments on young artists are exaggerated to create a wave. Too much market push is not good," he said, "innovation is getting harder, so it takes longer for excellent artists to emerge." But he is optimistic that outstanding works will appear, as the society is still undergoing change.
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