Getting concrete about abstract art

• Source: Global Times
• [13:50 June 29 2010]
• Comments

American artist Ford Crull paints at the opening of the Bund 1919 art bank. Photos: Courtesy of Bund 1919

By Huang Xi

On a bright afternoon in Baoshan district, far from the hustle and bustle of downtown, American artist Ford Crull painted on two large black-and-white boards while local pianist Shi Wen played the well-known "Butterfly Love," a somber opening for a promising new art haven.

Art lovers and artists traveled to the unusual locale to celebrate the opening of the Bund 1919 art bank, the first locale designed exclusively for abstract art in Shanghai.

Five old buildings at Shanghai No.8 Cotton and Textile Factory, which were built in 1919, have been turned into a cultural and art enclave and named Bund 1919.

"We are determined to make a La Rive Gauche in Shanghai," said Zheng Peiguang, the owner of Bund 1919 and Redtown 570, another immerging creative art zone located on Huaihai Road West.

As well as abstract art, this art studio includes other genres like sculpture, photography, music, installations, videos, architecture and design.

New kid on the block

The success of Redtown 570 has fomented Zheng's confidence in the future of Bund 1919.

His previous experience in art has given him the inspiration for building this new project, combining an art studio and fashion consumption, just the right mix for many young artists.

"I can meet other abstract artists here and exchange ideas with them, which is very important in my research and creation," Li Lei, a prominent abstract artist and the executive director of the Shanghai Art Museum, told the Global Times.

The owner is providing a useful service for the creation of art, attracting a number of big names including Sun Liang, Xue Song and Pan Wei.

"I think this way will definitely work in the future because the atmosphere is quite inspirational," said visitor Yu Yan at the opening of the Bund 1919 art bank.

But not everyone agrees with Zheng's strategy.

Wang Guanying, the creative director of Zhenghai Real Estate who is now in charge of another creative zone construction in Shanghai, thinks it will cost too much to give such a large space to these artists.

"They (the operators and owners) need to inject more money to support the running of the venue," Wang said. "I'd rather have those art organizations in colleges and universities."

But the owners are sure that the big names will attract leasers quickly.