ESLITE GALLERY BEIJING to open , showcasing the allure of contemporary art through its 35th Anniversary Collection Exhibition

In March 2024, ESLITE GALLERY is inaugurating a new location in Beijing’s 798 Art District, marking the official opening of ESLITE GALLERY BEIJING. As the gallery’s first-ever new space outside of Taiwan, it not only continues its commitment to supporting visionary artists but also introduces a dynamic hub for artistic discourse—honoring the modern and embracing the contemporary.

Vision: Honoring the Modern & Embracing the Contemporary

In 1989, concurrent with the inception of the first Eslite Bookstore in Taipei, ESLITE GALLERY also came into being. Embodying the core values of humanities, arts, creativity, and life, Eslite has dedicated 35 years to cultivating a rich cultural landscape through its bookstores, gallery, various art and cultural events, and curating contemporary cultural content.

ESLITE GALLERY, integral to this vision, has focused on championing modern and contemporary Chinese art. It organizes exhibitions for Chinese artists of significant potential or influence, adopting a strategy that pays homage to modernism while celebrating contemporary art. Over the years, the gallery has remained true to the visionary spirit and mission of its founder, Mr. Robert Wu (1950-2017), going beyond short-term success and profits. It sets its eyes on the future, upholding high standards of professionalism and self-imposed commitment to excellence to earn a notable reputation in the art world.

Now, ESLITE GALLERY has chosen Beijing as its first expansion location, drawn by the city’s rich traditional cultural heritage, its synergy with contemporary experimental elements, and the convergence of artistic talent. Immersing in this distinct cultural kaleidoscope, it aspires to engage with local artists and persist in furthering the art industry.

Opening Exhibition—Luminous Legacy: ESLITE GALLERY’s 35th Anniversary Collection Exhibition

The open exhibition at ESLITE GALLERY BEIJING, titled Luminous Legacy: ESLITE GALLERY’s 35th Anniversary Collection Exhibition, is a celebration of the gallery’s collections over the past 35 years. It will feature over a hundred artworks, tracing the evolution of Chinese modern and contemporary art. With generations of artists spanning over multiple decades, from WANG Pan-Yuan born in 1912 to Pao-Leng KUNG born in 1996, the exhibition encompasses a diverse array of mediums including painting, sculpture, works on paper, installations, and video creations. The earliest piece featured is CHEN Hsia-yu’s 1944 work Nude Woman Standing, all the way up to the most recent 2023 creation  Just Like The Way You Are 32 by LIN Yen Wei and Afternoon by ZHANG An . The exhibition is divided into three distinct periods, offering the public a panoramic perspective on the evolution and intricacies of Chinese contemporary art throughout the last century.

Luminous Legacy: ESLITE GALLERY’s 35th Anniversary Collection Exhibition I: (On View: March 8 to April 28, 2024)

The artists in the first exhibition hail from birth years between the 1910s to the 1950s. Despite having lived through periods of war and conflict, these artists maintained their commitment to art and the humanities in the face of adversity. The exhibition features paintings of diverse styles and approaches. WANG Pan-Yuan (1912-2017), celebrated as the Poet of the Canvas, eloquently expresses nostalgia in his works. Lalan’s (1921-1995) art spans painting, music, and dance, creating visual representations of inner landscapes. Artists like Read LEE (1921-2010) and TSENG Yuho (1925-2017) have developed abstract vocabularies rooted in Eastern philosophy and traditional painting framing techniques. LI Yuan-chia (1929-1994), David DIAO (b. 1943), and TSONG Pu (b. 1947) not only engage with Western abstract art trends but also infuse them with the essence of Eastern culture. CHAN Kin-Chung’s (b. 1939) realistic painting leans towards naturalism. TAI Hoi Ying (b. 1946) captures the nuanced artistic essence of architectural spaces. HSIA Yan (b. 1932) and Fu-sheng KU (1935-2017) are noted for their strong expressionist use of color. SZETO Keung (1948-2011) skillfully merges photorealism with abstract elements, while YUAN Jai (b. 1941) focuses on image shapes and excels in the use of vivid, heavy colors.

The sculpture section of the exhibition features notable works such as those by sculptor CHEN Hsia-yu (1917-2000), who embraced the era’s simple yet robust academic style. Additionally, the evolution of HSIUNG Ping-Ming’s (1922-2002) creations, transitioning from semi-figurative to fully figurative, is also displayed.

The Art of Collection: Marrying Culture with Time

The 100-plus works at the opening exhibition represent more than just art — they epitomize the accumulation of culture and the expression of a distinct attitude, reflecting ESLITE GALLERY’s progression with the times and society. Furthermore, they symbolize the mutual trust and shared growth between the gallery and artists. With its substantial collection and support from enduring bonds, ESLITE GALLERY BEIJING stands ready to embrace new challenges and eagerly awaits the unfolding of the next generation’s artistic saga.