Asia is growing as an important art market for gallerists, collectors, and artists from across the world. In Hong Kong, the opening of H Queen’s, a new art hub, has drawn renowned galleries around the world to the city. While Singapore is busy with a new major art fair 'Art SG' launched by MCH Group AG, the Swiss parent company of Art Basel. It will take place in November this year.
Taipei Dangdai will take place in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre
Besides traditional population places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo, Taipei could be the next destination for art aficionados. To draw on Taipei’s long-established art scene, a new international art fair ‘Taipei Dangdai’ is going to open on 18th January. The art fair aims to introduce galleries to the strong collector base within Taiwan, as well as to showcase the cultural production of Taiwan and of Asia to a much broader audience.
‘Dance of Peace’ (2018) by Inyoman Masriadi. ROH Projects, Jakarta
‘The moment one leaps free from hands’ (2016) by Chen Yu. Courtesy the artist and Yiri Arts
The name of the fair captures this spirit, as dangdai in Mandarin means “the present moment.” Held annually, Taipei Dangdai will constitute an accurate and immediate survey of what is occurring in the contemporary art world in Asia.
'The Prisoner of Book No.1' (2013) by Zhang Xiaogang. Courtesy of Pace Gallery
'The Tale of the White Snake, No.7’ (2017) by Wu Jian’an. Courtesy of Chambers Fine Art
Its strong focus on Asia can also be seen from the list of participants. Of 90 galleries featured in the first edition of Taipei Dangdai, 70 of the 90 galleries have their primary space in Asia, while 80 of the 90 galleries have permanent spaces in Asia.
Magnus Renfrew, founder and director of Taipei Dangdai
The founder and director of Taipei Dangdai, Magnus Renfrew, was the founding fair director of ART HK and served as founding director of Art Basel in Hong Kong following the acquisition of ART HK by MCH Group. He believes Taipei is fast becoming Asia’s new cultural capital. Along with an exceptional array of museums, Taipei has one of the most developed gallery and collector bases in Asia. For a long time, he has seen Taiwanese collectors playing an instrumental role in Art Basel.
'Ha Ha Ha' (2018) by Mel Bochner. Courtesy of the artist and Simon Lee Gallery
'Abstract 2014-049 (2014)' by Ho Kan. Courtesy of Chini Gallery
In addition to a main exhibition section (Galleries), presenting leading galleries from Taiwan, Asia, and the rest of the world, Taipei Dangdai comprises three specialised sectors designed to highlight new galleries (Young Galleries Sector), spotlight artists through solo presentations (Solos sector), and feature works with accessible pricing (Salon sector).
Here is a preview of some amazing works from the three specialised sectors.
Young Galleries Sector
Solos sector
Salon sector
Taipei Dangdai
Dates:
- 17 January 2019｜2pm-5pm (by invitation only); 5pm-9pm (by invitation or advance ticket)
- 18 January 2019｜12pm-8pm
- 19 January 2019｜12pm-7pm
- 20 January 2019｜12pm-5pm
Admission:
- Vernissage Ticket (17 January) ｜NT$1500 (admits one)
- General ticket (18-20 January) ｜NT$750
- Concession ticket｜NT$350 (advance ticket)/ NT$400 (at the door)
Venue: Hall 1 (4th Floor), Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre
Address: No. 1, Jingmao 2nd Road, Nangang District, Taipei City