Contemporary Chinese Art

Contemporary Chinese Art – A Meeting of Two Swedish Private Collections

Contemporary Chinese art is multifaceted. It rests firmly in the hands of the ancient Chinese tradition of culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time having evolved rapidly since the late twentieth century. Today’s artists enjoy a greater freedom of expression, but the traditional motifs and theme are still present. In this themed auction, where two Swedish private collections are presented, you will find works by a number of prominent contemporary Chinese artists.

One of the collections was assembled by a Swedish collector and businessman who lived and worked in Shanghai. His collection is characterized by his interest in art with expressive energy and vibrant colours. Through numerous encounters with Chinese artists in the early 2000s, his interest in contemporary Chinese art deepened and eventually led him to pursue a career as an art dealer and gallerist.

Within his collection, we encounter works inspired by the Western art scene with influences from traditional Chinese society, as well as reflections on significant events in China’s history.
Carina and Lennart Bogg moved to China in 1983, where Lennart worked for UNICEF and Carina at the Norwegian Embassy’s preschool. Their time there coincided with China’s reopening after the Cultural Revolution – a period marked by strong artistic development and increased international exchange. Through close contact with artists and visits to exhibitions and galleries, the Swedish couple’s art collection gradually grew. It was presented in Sweden at Liljevalchs konsthall in the exhibition “Masters from China” in the summer of 1989. Since then, the collection has continued to develop, reflecting the couple’s interest in China’s rich cultural life and diverse artistic expressions.