Launching your Chinese art collection on a modest budget

China’s art market is now the world's second largest, with paintings like Zhang Xiaogang’s "Bloodline: Big Family No. 3" selling for over US$6 million. For many novice collectors, price tags in Beijing’s chic art districts are prohibitive, and obstacles to buying work in a foreign country may seem daunting. But if you're willing not to get caught up on the high horse of high art, you don't need to drop a cool million or even a cool thousand to get your collection started.

“While some of what we show can exceed ￥100,000, we occasionally focus on emerging artists who sell work for around ￥15,000" says Gallery 1949 director Jennifer Lin. Lin emphasizes that young artists are ideal targets for first-time buyers looking to begin their collections. The Beijing-Tokyo Art Project, one of 798’s oldest and largest spaces, is another gallery committed to exhibiting both up-and-coming and established artists. Directors there note that while some installation pieces by prominent artists do go for around US$1 million, a number of paintings in their emerging artists’ exhibitions are priced in the more modest US$2,000 range.

Beijing galleries currently host a number of shows with novice-buyer-friendly prices. Onemoon’s current exhibition, Gallery of Plates, features prints with prices beginning at US$100. Gallery 49’s exhibition, Tai, features new work by emerging and established Chinese artists.

Looking beyond the white walls of Beijing's galleries, some new artists sell one-of-a-kind paintings at the Panjiayuan Antiques Ｍarket (see listing p. 89). Beware of pieces that look a little too familiar, however, as many vendors hawk reproductions of famous contemporary pieces.

The research that goes into building a true collection can be overwhelming, especially in Beijing’s booming art scene. But those looking to begin collecting work they love can make their first strokes with just a little time and money. PKM Gallery Director Henri Benaim agrees: “A reputable gallery can give you much information about a certain piece, but what matters is that you love what you buy.”

Emmy Komada