CIGE : Looking at the Future of Art
Jeonghwa Son_Editor

The days of biennale is over and now is the time of art fair! “New Yorker”, a magazine from the U.S., declared that “If 1990s were about biennales, 10 years from now on will be about art fairs. For Asia, an international art fair style CIGE was held at Beijing CWTC from 24th to 28th, right after Tokyo art fair, to promote “Internationalism, Professionalism and Futurism” CIGE is an art fair arranged by Soka Gallery of Taiwan. Wang Ih Han (32), 5 times director of CIGE since it began in 2004, commented that “Depression of international economy may affect the art market of China but the effect won’t be major” and continued to say that “CIGE sales increased 100% annually and I can be sure of the increase this year as well”. Last year’s CIGE sales was 200 million yuan.

CIGE2008 showcased 80galleries including 33 newcomers from 22countries and regions such as China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippine, Thailand, Malaysia, Israel, India, Germany, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, England, Italy, America, Denmark. The Proportion of galleries from out of mainland China is 80%, which has increased 20% in comparison with last edition, the scale of Asian galleries is 70%. And they presented a special exhibition: Mapping Asia, the exhibition of 33 young Asian Artists solo Shows. To reveal the possibility and future of art through the international platform was one of the major theme of CIGE all the way.
4 art works of Yun Jong Seok(38), which were presented by Art Side Gallery of Korea, were sold out as soon as the art fair commenced. Art works (12 pieces in total) of Lee Ih Nam(39) were sold out to a Chinese business man. Arario Gallery presented works of Fan Lijun, Lui Jianhua, Sui Jianguo, Dongwook Lee and Joonho Jeon. Also, Sun Contemporary, Geumsan, Pyo and Saempyo maintained their positive expressions. Pyo Gallery, located in Jiuchang, presented and sold most of Park Seong Tae’s works. Korean galleries are doing well in Beijing art industry.

Mizma Gallery and Wada Gallery of Japan have also grandly commenced Chaochangdie opening ceremony, following the opening of CIGE. These two galleries achieved fine sales record within their galleries and CIGE booths. Also, Zei-foto, Salon Imura and Gallery Noda stood out as internationally active galleries. Gigantic Chinese galleries were also as influential as galleries of Korean and Japan. Soka Art Center, the host of the art fair, presented “Bed” of Li Hui. Furthermore, Chinese auction company ‘Poly International Auction’ actively cooperated with CIGE.

It was easy to find Phillips de pury&company's booth in the frontal exhibition hall of CIGE. Beijing contemporary art specialist Jeremy Wingfield said that “Phillips de Pury was pleased to sponsor CIGE this year. We have a growing base of mainland Chinese consignors and buyers at our New York and London auctions and we felt it was important to show up and meet new faces at a major Beijing art event. Fortunately, CIGE was able to provide us with a terrific space to show highlights from our upcoming June 29th Contemporary Art auction in London. We felt that holding the preview at the art fair was a great success allowing us to meet new faces and increase awareness of our London auction amongst Asian buyers. I see CIGE as the first truly contemporary art fair in China. As a gallerist, I was a participant in the fair from its very first year in 2003. It has grown, particularly with its core group of Southeast Asian collectors, and I am happy that it has been so successful. The fair has a long way to go as well if it wishes to become a truly international contemporary art fair. Eventually, the competition between the CIGE and it's September rival “Art Beijing” will come to a head. CIGE will have to attract a better list of international galleries if it hopes to emerge victorious. To do that, CIGE needs to seriously consider a more contemporary venue and find better service providers for the galleries.”
CIGE, held after the Tokyo Art Fair early this year, is praised to be the best that was held in China. Hong Kong Art Fair in May, KIAF in September and SH contemporary are waited with great expectations as well. It is true that too many art fairs in Asia can be tedious but collectors who understand the value of art will continue to deal.