Contemporary Chinese Art – A Meeting of Two Swedish Private Collections

Chinese contemporary art is multifaceted, firmly rooted in a centuries-old tradition of Chinese culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time having developed rapidly since the end of the 20th century, notably through the established art institutions in Beijing and Sichuan. Today’s artists enjoy greater freedom of expression, previously characterised by cynical realism, though the subject matter often remains traditional in many respects. In this themed auction, where two Swedish private collections converge, you will find works by both emerging and internationally established Chinese contemporary artists.

A Swedish collector and businessman, who has lived and worked for many years in Asia, including Hong Kong and Shanghai, has focused on art with an expressive and colourful character. His numerous encounters with Chinese artists in the early 2000s led to a growing appreciation and interest in the genre, ultimately culminating in a career as an art dealer and gallerist. Within his collection, one encounters works that blend inspiration from the Western art scene with influences from traditional Chinese society and significant events in Chinese history.

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.