Ying Gallery presents selected artworks at hotel art fair

China's renowned Ying Gallery is showcasing a stunning collection of artworks at the Peninsula Beijing, in collaboration with the prestigious Art Fair in Hotel (AFIH) Beijing. 

The gallery's artworks is exhibited in Room 512 of the hotel from April 13-16, and include works by influential artists from Japan, the United States, European countries and China who have made a significant impact in international arts markets.

The exhibition showcases a diverse group of artists who hail from Asian cultures but live and work in various countries around the world. Among them are renowned print artists Tomas Vu and Fred. H.C. Liang from the United States, as well as Yuasa Katsutoshi and Suzuki Ryuta from Japan. These artists have gained recognition for their original prints that feature mixed materials, unique individuality and striking visual impact. 

In addition to print artists, Ying Gallery also exhibits ceramic paintings by Zhang Dan, a Chinese Czech artist known for integrating traditional Eastern ink painting techniques with Western abstract painting styles. The exhibition also features oil paintings by Chinese artist Li Daye, whose works reflect a deep meditation on Eastern philosophy. 

"These works provide a unique perspective on the relativity of Oriental cultures and shed light on the diverse forms of artistic expression that arise from different cultural backgrounds," said Wang Ying, founder and art director of Ying Gallery. As an example, she mentioned the works of Zhao Lin, a talented young artist whose pottery sculptures reflect his keen observations on the relationships between humans and objects, humans and the environment, and humans and nature. "Through his art, Zhao Lin delves into the intricate connections between human nature, animal nature and the nature of objects, offering thought-provoking insights," Wang said.

Ying Gallery, founded in the Caochangdi Art District in northeastern Beijing in September 2012, is a prominent art gallery dedicated to finding and promoting young artists both domestically and internationally, as well as artworks with original and innovative spirits. The gallery serves as an agent for a wide range of artistic genres, including contemporary oil painting, Chinese ink painting, sculpture and installations. In 2016, Ying Gallery introduced a series of original prints by renowned contemporary Japanese artists, which received enthusiastic responses from collectors. Additionally, the gallery has initiated a program called “Y Living Selection,” which focuses on contemporary ceramic art wares and ceramic works that embody the aesthetics of daily life, including derivative works jointly designed with its artists.

Since its establishment, Ying Gallery has hosted over 50 solo and group exhibitions. It also represents more than 30 artists from Japan, Europe and the United States, further establishing its reputation as a leading advocate for emerging and established artists on the global art scene.

"In the era of globalization, contemporary art plays a vital role in meeting the aesthetic standards of modern society, while reflecting the ideas and the evolution of humanistic values," Wang explained. "A truly remarkable artwork not only enhances our aesthetic experiences, but also stimulates critical thinking about the development of our society and cultures."

She added that the gallery's inspiration behind launching the Y Living Selection last year was to "observe the macro through the micro, to feel the connection between our hearts and nature amidst the hustle and bustle of urban lives."

"In many cases, the appreciation of artworks is limited by the physical distance between the works and the viewers' eyes, which are the only sense organs that convey artistic information to our hearts," Wang said. "However, wares are different as they are meant to be used in daily life. There is a saying that 'bustling street scenes soothe people's hearts most.' When there is a harmonious connection between users and wares, even simple items like a cup or a bowl can elevate a ceremonial meal. In the realm of artistic living, we hope to create a connection between wares and daily life, so that more people can appreciate the beauty of art in their everyday lives. These wares can bridge the gap between people and art, through their practical and ornamental values."

Looking to the future, Wang said that Ying Gallery will continue to focus on artists who embody innovation and frontier spirits, enabling them to showcase fresher and more vibrant artworks.

This year marks the second collaboration between Ying Gallery and AFIH Beijing since the latter's establishment in 2018, which Wang referred to as a "mutually beneficial platform." AFIH utilizes rooms and suites in five-star hotels as exhibition spaces, moving art out of traditional white cube spaces and into a more personalized setting that blurs the lines between art and life. By creating a scenario-based exhibition experience, AFIH aims to create a crossover platform for art exchange and communication, advocating for rational collecting and hoping to bring a positive influence to the Beijing art world.

China's art market is showing signs of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The ongoing fourth edition of AFIH features collaborations with nearly 30 art institutions, spanning various areas such as contemporary and classic art, collectible design, trendy art and jewelry. The collaborations create unique living scenes in the rooms and suites of the Peninsula Beijing, offering a comprehensive, diverse and immersive art experience for art enthusiasts and collectors. The exhibition aims to showcase the integration of aesthetics and philosophy, demonstrating the intrinsic connection between art and everyday life.