Artmajeur presents a selection of the best Chinese contemporary artists: Chinese painters, Chinese sculptors, Chinese photographers, you can find both emerging and confirmed artists on the gallery.
While painters, sculptors and photographers from China are the most popular techniques, we also have great contemporary works for sale in other techniques like collages, digital arts or textile arts. Artmajeur gallery is very popular in China because many contemporary artists use it to sell their artworks: collectors looking to buy art by Chinese artists can find a great diversity of techniques, colors, styles and prices.
From Shanghai to Shenzhen, via Beijing, Canton or Hong Kong, China has always been an impressive artistic breeding ground. From the first traditional ceramics and prints to the eccentric contemporary works of Yue Minjun or Ai Weiwei, crossing the artistic practices developed during all the dynasties (Qin, Han, Jin, Qi, Sui, Tang, Song, Hangzhou, Yuan, Ming, Qing) then during the development of modern art, Chinese artists regularly stand out with a unique approach, far removed from European culture. Qi Baishi, Gu Kaizhi, Fan Kuan, Wu Guanzhong, Zhu Da, Li Cheng, Dong Yuan, Zeng Fanzhi, Zao Wou-Ki, Shen Zhou, or even Zhang Daqian are all great names in Chinese art who have succeeded in crossing eras thanks to their incomparable style.
Contemporary Chinese artists have produced an impressive variety of original artworks using a range of supports and materials. These include paintings on canvas, paper, and silk, as well as sculptures made from bronze, ceramics, and even organic materials like wood and bamboo. What sets these artworks apart is their unique fusion of traditional Chinese techniques and modern artistic sensibilities. Many of these artists draw inspiration from their cultural heritage, incorporating elements of calligraphy, ink painting, and Buddhist iconography into their work. At the same time, they also experiment with new forms, colors, and textures, pushing the boundaries of what art can be and challenging viewers to see familiar themes in a fresh light.
The Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976 saw the suppression of artistic expression, but it was followed by a period of artistic experimentation and freedom from the 1980s onwards. This led to the emergence of the "New Wave" movement in the 1980s, which challenged traditional Chinese art forms and embraced new media.
Chinese contemporary artists have undergone a significant evolution in their original artworks in recent years. These artists have been experimenting with different mediums, such as painting, sculpture, and video installations, to create works that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Their artworks often reflect the current social and political issues in China, and they use their art as a means to express their opinions and perspectives. The importance of these artworks in the contemporary art market is significant, as they offer a unique insight into Chinese culture and society.
Contemporary artists have been exploring Chinese contemporary art and creating their own original artworks. Among them, Ai Weiwei is a well-known artist who has worked extensively with sculpture, photography, and architecture. His work often addresses issues of human rights and freedom of speech, and he has gained international recognition for his activism.
Another artist who has gained prominence for her work with Chinese contemporary art is Xu Bing. She is known for her use of language and text in her artwork, often exploring the relationship between language and meaning. Her work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries around the world.
Cai Guo-Qiang is a contemporary artist who is known for his use of gunpowder in his artwork. He creates large-scale installations and performances that often explore themes of Chinese history and culture. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.
Zhang Xiaogang is a contemporary artist who is known for his paintings that often depict families and individuals in a surreal and dreamlike manner. His work explores themes of memory, identity, and history, and has gained international recognition.
Finally, Liu Bolin is a contemporary artist who is known for his series of photographs in which he blends into the background of various landscapes and cityscapes. His work explores themes of identity, visibility, and social issues.
These contemporary artists have all made significant contributions to the world of Chinese contemporary art, exploring issues of identity, history, and culture through their unique artistic visions.
Contemporary Chinese art is a fascinating blend of traditional Chinese styles and modern techniques. Here are some well-known original artworks that have gained international recognition.
One of the most iconic artworks is "Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn" by Ai Weiwei, created in 1995. In this provocative piece, Ai drops and destroys a 2,000-year-old urn, symbolizing the destruction of traditional Chinese culture in modern times.
Another famous artwork is "Forever Bicycles" by Ai Weiwei, created in 2011. This installation features 1,200 bicycles arranged in a mesmerizing pattern, representing the rapid pace of urbanization in China and the resulting loss of individuality.
"Chinese Bible" by Xu Bing, created in 1995, is a unique artwork made entirely out of fake Chinese characters, questioning the nature of language and communication in contemporary China.
"1/2" by Zhang Xiaogang, created in 1993, is a haunting portrait of a young girl, symbolizing the cultural and emotional trauma experienced by the Chinese people during the Cultural Revolution.
"Coca-Cola Plan" by Gu Wenda, created in 1997, is a thought-provoking installation featuring thousands of empty Coca-Cola bottles arranged in a map of China, commenting on the impact of globalization on Chinese culture.
These artworks are just a few examples of the diverse and thought-provoking works created by Chinese contemporary artists. Each one offers a unique perspective on the complex and rapidly changing society of modern China.
