Art Basel Basel, established in 1970, is one of the most prestigious art fairs globally, attracting top-tier galleries and artists. This year marks a significant milestone for Taiwan as Tina Keng Gallery becomes the very first Taiwanese gallery to be selected for the Galleries sector. The gallery's presence at Art Basel is a testament to its proactive international strategies and commitment to showcasing Taiwanese contemporary art on a global stage. The gallery's director, Shelly Wu, shared insights into their exhibition and the significance of this achievement.
Su Xiaobai, Niao Niao
Courtesy of Tina Keng Gallery
Shelly Wu, director of Tina Keng Gallery, has played a pivotal role in shaping the gallery's vision. As the daughter of Tina Keng, a key figure in the Greater Chinese modern art market, Shelly has taken a distinct path. In 2009, she established TKG+ in Taipei, focusing on contemporary art and nurturing Taiwanese artists. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2024, TKG+ has been instrumental in promoting artists like Yuan Goang-Ming, Hou I-Ting, Charwei Tsai, Joyce Ho, and Chen Ching-Yuan.
At Art Basel in Basel 2024, Tina Keng Gallery presents a meticulously curated project spanning Chinese modern and contemporary art. This includes works by modernist pioneer Yun Gee and contemporary master Su Xiaobai, alongside Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich. The exhibition explores material experimentation, spiritual introspection, and thematic diversity, offering Western audiences a nuanced understanding of Eastern aesthetic philosophy.
Shelly Wu shared her thoughts on the gallery's participation at Art Basel. "We wanted to present an Asian aspect, something very different from the rest of the fair. Including historical material like Yun Gee's works and contemporary pieces by Su Xiaobai and Sopheap Pich was essential. It's about showing the evolution of abstraction in the contemporary Chinese context and the shared aesthetic and cultural common ground in Asia."
Wu emphasized the importance of representing Taiwan uniquely. "Wu Tien-Chang's work offers an intensive yet condensed history of Taiwan, reflecting cultural and colonial aspects shared by many Asian cultures. We aim to present our core values and the unique Asian perspective to the world." The success at Art Basel Basel has opened new avenues for Tina Keng Gallery. "We’ve received inquiries from museums and curators, potentially leading to exhibitions in Europe and beyond. One museum is already planning a show focusing on Chinese American artists, which may include Yun Gee’s work," Wu hinted.
As Tina Keng Gallery continues to make strides on the international stage, its participation in Art Basel Basel marks a significant milestone. With a blend of historical and contemporary works, the gallery offers a unique window into Asian art, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among global audiences. Visit Tina Keng Gallery at Art Basel in Basel 2024 at GALLERIES E14, and Wu Tien-Chang's work at UNLIMITED U59.
Featured Artists and Their Works
Yun Gee (1906–1963): A modernist painter who merged Western avant-garde theories with Eastern philosophy. His theory of Diamondism combines form, color, and inner perception, establishing a significant trajectory in Chinese modern art.
Yun Gee, Untitled (Abstract Figure Painting)
Courtesy of Tina Keng Gallery
Su Xiaobai (b. 1949): With cultural influences from both Germany and China, Su Xiaobai crafts a unique visual language by blending traditional mediums such as oil paint, lacquer, and linen. His work reflects Eastern history and the wabi-sabi aesthetic, celebrating the harmony between humanity and nature. Emphasizing subtraction and minimalism, his creative process is reminiscent of Zen or Japanese tea ceremonies, focusing deeply on the act of creation itself.
Su Xiaobai, Glistering - 2
Courtesy of Tina Keng Gallery
Sopheap Pich (b. 1971): Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich draws inspiration from nature and memory. Using materials like bamboo, rattan, and burlap, his sculptures reflect traditional Cambodian culture, creating a transcultural experience.
Sopheap Pich, Astral
Courtesy of Tina Keng Gallery
Unlimited: Wu Tien-Chang's Iconic Work
In the Unlimited sector, Taiwanese artist Wu Tien-Chang presents his iconic video installation "Farewell, Spring and Autumn Pavilions" (2015). This large-scale work, previously shown at the Taiwan Pavilion during the 2015 Venice Biennale, blends Taiwanese history with playful melancholy. Using optical illusions and special effects, Wu's work challenges and expands contemporary art narratives.
Wu Tien-Chang, Farewell, Farewell, Spring and Autumn Pavilions (Still 3) Courtesy of Tina Keng Gallery
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