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Asia Now: A Decade of Celebrating Asian Contemporary Art at Monnaie de Paris, 2024
Photo courtesy of Asia Now
Over the past ten years, Asia Now has established itself as a prominent art fair that highlights the vibrant art scene in Asia and its diasporas. Co-founded by Alexandra Fain in 2015, this event has successfully showcased an impressive array of both emerging and established artists. By promoting diverse artistic practices and fostering intercultural dialogue, Asia Now is a crucial venue for galleries, collectors, and art aficionados eager to explore the depth and vibrancy embedded within Asian contemporary art.
A Milestone Edition Unveiled
Running until October 20, 2024‍ at Monnaie de Paris, the tenth edition brings together a remarkable selection of 71 galleries, featuring solo and duo exhibitions from artists representing 28 regions across Asia, extending from Central Asia to the Asia-Pacific region. Notable returning exhibitors include Perrotin, Galleria Continua, Yeo Workshop, The Drawing Room; new participants such as Esther Schipper and Kaikai Kiki Gallery are also making their debut this year. The guest curatorial group for this edition is Radicants—an international cooperative founded by Nicolas Bourriaud—which presents an exhibition themed “Ceremony,” exploring aspects ranging from sacred rituals to communal celebrations.
FOST Gallery’s installation “Palimpsest” by Phi Phi Oanh showcases Vietnamese lacquer paintings projected onto translucent screens using innovative Lacquerscope technology (Photo Lionel Belluteau).
This year’s event also features unique site-specific commissions:
- Britto Arts Trust, based in Dhaka—a non-profit dedicated to exploring Bangladesh’s socio-political issues—presents “Palan & Pakghor” (Kitchen Garden & Social Kitchen), transforming traditional family kitchens into open spaces for culinary sharing.
- Indian-South African artist Sumayya Vally offers “L’Eau dans une Main et le Feu dans l’Autre,” an immersive installation harmonizing elements like earth and water through a structure made of clay jars arranged in a circle under Kathy Alliou’s direction.
Reflections on Growth
In an exclusive discussion with Alexandra Fain regarding the evolution of Asia Now over the past decade:
“As we reflect on our journey since launching in 2015 at Espace Cardin in Paris,” she states. “Our founding mission was clear: create opportunities for visibility for Asian contemporary artists who were lesser-known within Europe.”
Fain identifies the inaugural fair as particularly pivotal due to its presentation of renowned galleries such as Thousand Plateaus alongside emerging talents. Subsequent years have marked significant developments including spotlighting Philippine contemporary artistry or collaborating with acclaimed architect Sou Fujimoto on our Japanese platform.
The resilience displayed during challenging times like COVID-19 was noteworthy; even then we managed localized exhibitions with support from major partners such as Perrotin.
Importance of Cross-Cultural Engagement
Engaging European audiences with Asian contemporary artistry broadens perceptions regarding global culture significantly. Focusing on nuanced themes helps dismantle Western-centric narratives while introducing fresh viewpoints pertinent to worldwide conversations today.
With exhibitions concentrating on topical issues related to rituals or community interactions under thematic guidance offered by figures like Bourriaud strengthens connections between attendees globally—bringing rich traditions alive through modern interpretations.
Highlighting Unique Voices In Contemporary Art
Asian artists are increasingly recognized globally due to their talent for intertwining traditional influences with avant-garde approaches prevalent across various mediums—from performance arts employing cutting-edge technology right down-to ancient crafts such as ceramics or painting techniques providing layers enrichening storytelling capacity surrounding identity complexities experienced across densely populated societies grappling technological shifts amongst migration trends too!
At Asia Now—as displayed through collaborative showcases amplifying voices—we ensure collectors experience not just innovative artistic expressions but also embrace cultural backstories vitalizing these creators’ identities firmly cemented within local communities they represent firsthand effectively bridging divides between markets spanning continents alike!
Exciting Highlights This Year
For this iteration promising outstanding participatory initiatives driven especially around community collaboration—“Togetherness: Ceremonies of Interdependence” helmed by Radicants proposes crucial inquiries reflective upon laughter bonding human emotions shared through communal activities echoing empathy captured eloquently - exemplified well via engaging works presented by stalwarts Mirna Bamieh alongside emerging talents Isaac Chong Wai focusing experimental endeavors thereby enhancing visibility optimally amidst leading establishments known today!
Collectors seeking foresight should keep track closely when it comes down following breakthrough creators pushing boundaries either technologically or performatively revisiting notions dared often before realms considered limiting altogether aiming sustainable futures worthy successfully celebrated comprehensively paving ways unveiling even brighter journeys ahead elegantly culminating historical legacies rooted deeply respecting creative aspirations flourishing potentially alongside affirmations unfolding daily right here currently seen shaping tomorrow too without fail!
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