Contemporary Chinese Art

Contemporary Chinese Art – A Meeting of Two Swedish Private Collections

Chinese contemporary art is multifaceted. It rests securely in the hands of a centuries-old Chinese tradition of culture and craftsmanship, while at the same time having developed rapidly since the late twentieth century through established art institutions, primarily in Beijing and Sichuan. Today’s artists enjoy greater freedom of expression than that previously characterised as Cynical Realism, yet the iconography in many respects remains traditional. In this themed auction, where two Swedish private collections converge, you will find works by numerous Chinese contemporary artists, both emerging and internationally established.

One Swedish collector and businessman, who has lived and worked in Asia for many years, including in Hong Kong and Shanghai, has focused on art distinguished by an expressive and colourful visual language. His many encounters with Chinese artists in the early 2000s resulted in a growing appreciation of, and interest in, the genre, ultimately leading to a career as an art dealer and gallerist. Within his collection we encounter works that combine inspiration from the Western art scene with influences drawn from traditional Chinese society and from 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.