artelino has been selling contemporary Chinese Art since 2003.

About Us > Contemporary Chinese Art - Paintings and Prints

Ms. Poon Shu in her Studio
copyright Poon Shu

In 2003 we at artelino had our first experience with contemporary Chinese art - a consignment from China of modern Chinese art prints. These images were so refreshing and new, and soon found a small circle of collectors outside of China. In late 2011 we were encouraged by some of the Chinese artists to offer contemporary Chinese paintings.

Contemporary Chinese Art

Around 2006 Chinese contemporary art was suddenly discovered by the international art scene. Paintings by Chinese living artists achieved record prices at auction houses like Sotheby's and Christie's in New York, Hongkong, London and elsewhere.

Even the financial crisis in 2009 could not stop Chinese artists to move to the top ten most expensive artists worldwide. Paintings by artists like Zhang Xiaogang with his pale looking portraits that look like old photographs or Fang Lijun with his grimace-like laughing men, today achieve prices of more than one million $.

Woodblock Print

A Running Crowd No. 1
by Zhang Minjie
copyright Zhang Minjie

Modern Chinese Prints

In contrast to the booming market for Chinese paintings, art prints have so far remained a small niche, a fledgling market. The reason may be found in the recent history of China when posters were dominant. Art prints as limited editions, signed and numbered, have come into existence only after circa 1980.

But since then Chinese artists have created some astonishing works using Western techniques, Chinese traditions and inspirations by Chinese folk art. And last but not least the Chinese artists have gone through an excellent academic training.

Oil Painting on Canvas

Single Mom
Painting oil on canvas by Poon Shu
copyright Poon Shu

Modern Chinese Paintings by artelino

In autumn of 2011 a Chinese artist, a painter and printmaker, whith whom we had cooperated for many years, encouraged us to offer contemporary Chinese paintings. In early 2012 our first auction of Chinese paintings could finally start.

We try to concentrate on talented, emerging, often very young artists that already have a bit of an exhibition history or who are even already a bit famous and whose art paintings are affordable - with reserves roughly from $2,000 until $10,000. As for the selection of art works and artists we try to find excellent works that represent current trends and art movements in China as well as works painted in a more classical style. Another focus is on excellent skill and on figurative works.

Oil Painting on Canvas

Pilotless
Painting in oil on canvas by Wang Jing
copyright Wang Jing

How to Buy Contemporary Chinese Art from us?

The preparation of an auction of Chinese paintings takes several months. We aim to offer maybe one auction every 3-4 months. If you do not want to wait that long and if you are interested in acquiring such a work, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dieter Wanczura, February 2012.