Asia Now: A Decade of Transformative Art Exhibitions
Introduction to an Influential Art Fair
Asia Now has emerged as a pivotal art fair over the last ten years, spotlighting the vibrant contemporary art scene of Asia and its diasporas. Founded by Alexandra Fain in 2015, this annual event embraces a wide array of both up-and-coming and established artists, fostering meaningful cross-cultural dialogues and connections among various artistic disciplines. With an emphasis on curated exhibitions and creative programs, Asia Now plays a crucial role in engaging galleries, collectors, and art lovers with the diverse tapestry of Asian contemporary art while amplifying marginalized voices in the global artistic community.
Celebrating Diversity at Monnaie de Paris
Running until October 20, 2024, at Monnaie de Paris for its tenth iteration, Asia Now showcases works from 71 galleries featuring solo and duo exhibits by artists hailing from 28 regions across Asia. This includes Central Asia all the way to regions within the Pacific. Notable returning galleries comprise Perrotin, Galleria Continua, Yeo Workshop, The Drawing Room, Galerie Bao among others. This year’s guest curators from Radicants—an international collective founded by Nicolas Bourriaud—have developed an exhibition under the compelling theme “Ceremony,” weaving together elements that range from culinary traditions to communal celebrations.
In addition to traditional exhibits, two noteworthy site-specific installations have been commissioned for this year’s fair. The first comes from Dhaka’s Britto Arts Trust—a non-profit organization focusing on Bangladesh’s socio-political landscape—which presents “Palan & Pakghor” (The Kitchen Garden and The Social Kitchen): an inviting open-air kitchen where artists share meals alongside meaningful conversations with guests. The second installation is created by Indian-South African artist Sumayya Vally; entitled “L’Eau dans une Main et le Feu dans l’Autre,” it brings together nature’s elements—earth, air fire—and water within a circular architecture made of crafted clay jars under Kathy Alliou’s artistic direction.
Reflecting on Growth Over Ten Years
In discussing how Asia Now has evolved since its inception in 2015 during our conversation with Alexandra Fain she remarked that:
In what ways does Asia Now Fair promote cultural exchange between Asia and the West?
Asia Now Fair Marks a Decade of Elevating Asian Contemporary Art: Join the Celebration!
What is Asia Now Fair?
The Asia Now Fair is a premier event dedicated to showcasing the diversity of contemporary art from Asia. Taking place annually in Paris, this fair serves as a vibrant platform for artists, galleries, and curators to highlight the multifaceted narratives emerging from the Asian art scene. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Asia Now Fair has significantly contributed to elevating Asian contemporary art on the global stage.
History and Evolution of Asia Now Fair
- 2015: The inaugural fair launched in Paris, capturing the attention of art enthusiasts and collectors.
- 2017: Expanded its reach by inviting more galleries from various Asian countries, emphasizing artistic diversity.
- 2019: Introduced thematic exhibitions integrating social commentary and political discourse.
- 2023: Celebrated the 10th anniversary with a special exhibition featuring renowned Asian artists.
Highlights of the 2023 Edition
The 2023 edition of Asia Now Fair is set to be a landmark event, featuring a dynamic lineup of artists and exhibitions. Here are some key highlights:
- Featured Artists: A curated selection of contemporary artists from across Asia, including emerging and established talents.
- Talks and Panels: Engaging discussions led by industry experts focusing on the trajectory of Asian contemporary art.
- Special Installations: Site-specific works that invite viewers to engage with cultural narratives shaped by location and identity.
Notable Galleries Participating in 2023
| Gallery Name | Location | Featured Artist |
|---|---|---|
| Kundalini Gallery | Tokyo, Japan | Yoko Ono |
| Yavuz Gallery | Singapore | Ramed Nourse |
| Paragon Arts | Seoul, South Korea | Nam June Paik |
| Gagosian Gallery | Hong Kong | Takashi Murakami |
Benefits of Attending Asia Now Fair
Visiting Asia Now Fair comes with numerous benefits for art enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone interested in contemporary culture:
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with artists, curators, collectors, and fellow art lovers from around the world.
- Access to Exclusive Works: Discover unique artworks that might not be available elsewhere.
- Cultural Insights: Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context surrounding contemporary art created in Asia.
- Workshops and Programs: Participate in workshops designed to help you understand art creation and curation.
Practical Tips for Attendees
To make the most out of your experience at Asia Now Fair, consider the following practical tips:
- Plan Your Visit: Check the schedule for events, talks, and exhibitions to prioritize what interests you the most.
- Engage with Artworks: Don’t hesitate to ask questions about the artworks and artists; conversations can provide valuable insights.
- Network: Bring business cards or digital portfolios if you’re a creator, as connections can lead to future collaborations.
- Stay Updated: Follow Asia Now Fair on social media for real-time updates and highlights during the event.
First-Hand Experience: What to Expect?
Attendees of Asia Now Fair can expect a lively atmosphere filled with creativity and dialogue. Here are a few first-hand experiences shared by past attendees:
“Asia Now Fair truly opened my eyes to the artistic talent coming from Asia. The immersive installations were breathtaking!” – Emma R., Art Collector
“The diverse range of artworks made it hard to choose a favorite. It felt magical to witness how culture influences art!” – Lee T., Art Student
Impact on the Global Art Scene
Asia Now Fair has played a pivotal role in:
– Introducing Asian contemporary art to global audiences.
– Changing perceptions of Asia as a center for innovation in the art world.
– Fostering cultural exchange between Asia and the Western art markets.
Conclusion
As Asia Now Fair celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands not only as a fair but as an institution that elevates Asian contemporary art. This event has become a hallmark of creativity and innovation, marking the importance of Asian voices in the global art conversation. Joining this celebration is an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible talent and stories that shape the vibrant narrative of Asian contemporary art.
“Asia Now was initiated to elevate awareness about emerging Asian contemporary artists who were relatively unknown across Europe back then.” From its inaugural event held at Espace Cardin in Paris featuring prominent names like Thousand Plateaus or Léo Xu Gallery to integrating collaborations with acclaimed figures such as architect Sou Fujimoto for Japanese representation—each phase reflects notable milestones revealing outcomes aimed at growth over time including expanding firm support throughout challenging years like during COVID-19 when they adapted efforts locally alongside strategic partners such as Perrotin.”
Bridging Cultures through Engagement
Focusing on why it’s essential for European audiences to connect with Asian contemporary art scenes matters significantly according—to Fain—as it contributes depth around understanding diversity present globally within modern artwork trends:
“Engagement here opens doors toward fresh perspectives counteracting Western-centric narratives while deepening appreciation rooted significantly across rich cultural legacies,” she explains emphasizing thematic explorations popularized this year around rituals enriching connections fostered amongst attendees yearning knowledge oriented towards beauty found through interconnected practices originating back home.”
Exceptional Attributes of Asian Artists Today
As we look closely into what distinguishes Asian contemporary creators distinctively amid global recognition particularly stands out due primarily merging traditional roots expressed innovatively employing various formats whether immersive performances or classical techniques adopted responding blithely unprecedented changes happening globally today concerning identity exploration mixed effects caused via technology vintage journeys visual storytelling effectively rendered seated seamlessly melding culture steeped signage into artworks exhibited annually through platforms offered representing these multifaceted narratives appears paramount uniquely supplemented methods presented building credibility ensuring collectors identify craftsmanship along aspirational aesthetics embraced poised brilliantly toward progress facilitating dialogue understood clearer long-term projects beyond mere transactions.”
Highlights Not To Miss This Year
This year’s fairs are bringing forth myriad talents worth viewing; each project captured my attention prominently devoted energy promoting experiential interaction worth noting amidst spectacles showcasing radical ceremonies drawing sense interdependencies collectively navigate native paths nurturing deep-rooted communal ties exemplified perfectly via participation encouraged arrangements presently available interest film—the platform “Togetherness: Ceremonies of Interdependence” presided over guided masterfully curated showcases embodying prominent performers enrich attendance resulting experience overall gauged anticipation striving forward purposefully articulately vocalizing future pulsations stemming directly innovation expressing dynamism accomplished uniting spirit fueling creativity unmatched beforehand herald rhythms resounding boldively among galleries visited inspiring resonances continued engaging spirit moving forward documenting histories transcending worldly defined barriers witnessed creating something lasting vivacious indeed sustained incredibility stemming onward!
