Artworks' new home
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However, most works on the subject are regarded as not serious enough or even too impartial, as several were driven by commercial considerations and many critics regard works by independent individuals as not thorough enough, as documenting the entire genre is a complicated and difficult historic task.
The massive-scale exhibition Reshaping History held in May, including more than 300 contemporary artists, was aimed at being "the most sufficient display of the achievements during the past 30 years of development of Chinese contemporary art," according to curator Lü Peng. It was later rumored to be a purely commercial event, as a large percentage of sales went to the organizer.
Disappointed with such exhibitions held by individuals or nongovernmental organizations, many are now holding high hopes for the Contemporary Art Academy of China. Affiliated to the Chinese National Academy of Arts and a State-owned institute, the academy should not have to rely on commercial events to stay afloat.
"It is indeed urgent to explore the history of Chinese contemporary art comprehensively and seriously," art enthusiast Yuan Weiseng told the Global Times after seeing the current exhibition at NAMOC. "We hope the Contemporary Art Academy of China can achieve this, it would be a great benefit to all."
The academy will also work toward building a Chinese contemporary art museum in the near future, director Luo stated, another promise that most are eagerly anticipating.
"There is no permanent, large venue presenting Chinese contemporary art," Luo said. "We need such a place, to present our contemporary art to the world, or we will regret it decades later when someday we find that all valuable and meaningful works will only be seen in museums and galleries overseas."
Despite that fact that several galleries and small-scale museums in China are devoted to displaying Chinese contemporary art, there is none as famous as the Guggenheim and MOMA, where the most important Chinese contemporary pieces are currently collected and occasionally displayed.
Seldom appearing at public events and often not talking to the media, the prospect of a new art museum saw Luo excited and quite talkative on the topic. "Many artists have promised me that they would donate some of their important works to the museum," he told the Global Times.
He said he will try his best to persuade the government to allocate a venue and funding and have the new facility ready as soon as possible.
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