Asia’s art fair pioneer and an established platform in contemporary art, China International Gallery Exposition, will hold its annual art fair from April 22 to 25 (preview on April 21) in the China International Trade Center Exhibition Hall. On this occasion, top international galleries will gather to present a provoking panorama of the post-financial crisis era of contemporary art. Featuring over 5000 artworks representing myriad styles of artistic expression, CIGE 2010 promises to be an extraordinary audio-visual experience for collectors, critics and art lovers.

The financial crisis of the second half of 2008, and the profound political and economic impact it had on the social order of the globalized world, sent many waves of trepidation throughout the international art market. By 2009 the global art market started to gradually show signs of recovery. As art galleries, art exhibitions and auctions reestablished themselves, the fresh momentum drew in many new artistic visions and eager collectors into the contemporary art world.

In 2010 the Chinese economy emerged out of the financial turmoil that continues to plague the world. Domestic economic trends have resumed growth, the export/import trade margin has stabilized, and full confidence in the economic future is widely expressed. More domestic collectors have become appreciative of Chinese contemporary art as it reestablished itself on its path of rising influence after a short period of recession. Fortunately, the recession also served as an opportunity for constructive self-reevaluation.

The CIGE 2010, featuring an unprecedentedly diverse selection of artwork and artists, will be a testament to the aesthetic spirit and critical judgment of Asia’s leading art fair. Since its first edition in 2004, CIGE has continually attuned its signature artistic vision to be representative of excellence in art. More than 5000 celebrities and members of the media attended the preceding art fair. This year CIGE will continue to feature first-rate VIP services for artists, galleries and collectors. Furthermore, CIGE will further build on its established platform for emerging artists. As a part of the CIGE commitment to the arts, CIGE is proudly launching several new programs; the airport Air America Media video project and the monthly CIGE Gallery Guide. Lastly, this past December CIGE embarked on a philanthropic cooperation with SMILE ANGEL foundation to aid children in need.

Gallery Exhibitions:
After careful consideration and analysis, the CIGE selection committee is proud to present the most outstanding international artwork in this year’s showcase. The selection process was driven both by an internal standard of quality, as well as by the needs and tastes of the contemporary art market. Through its rigorous selection process CIGE exudes an influence on the trends in the contemporary art styles and art market trends.
This year CIGE will feature art galleries from Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as a plethora of outstanding Chinese galleries. Spread across the palatial exhibition hall will be artwork representative of diverse styles and techniques, of artists both young and old, groundbreaking, established and emerging. Several special exhibits will be organized for the public.

Mapping Asia: Asian young artists exhibition
The CIGE regular installation, Mapping Asia, has become one of the most anticipated features of the art fair. This year the show will be moved to the main exhibition hall space, which is more fitting to its scope and size. With the eyes of the art market focused on Asian artists, the critical selection of emerging artists in Mapping Asia is particularly influential, opening doors into the future of contemporary Asian art and setting trends for up-coming auctions.

Subliminals: a non-profit art exhibition
This year’s Subliminals will feature the participation of Taikang art space, Ullens Center for the Contemporary Art, and Spain CORE Labs and Chinese Contemporary Art Awards. Subliminals is a unique opportunity for non-profit organizations to promote artists on a high platform of exposure.

Yunnan Landscape exhibition: My landscape, my Utopia
This specially organized and curated exhibition of Yunnan landscapes includes artwork by artists born between the years 1950 and 1980. Each of the featured artists has a different vision, yet they are united in their ability to experience the scenery of Yunnan with the innocent eyes of a child. It is difficult for individuals to free themselves from the heavy burdens of society today, but children and their sense of the world are not yet bound by such constraints. It is through the eyes of a child that we can partake in the mythological vision of a Utopia.

CIGE: seven years in the running, continually true to its values.
CIGE has a clear understanding of China’s economic growth, and expanding economic relations internationally is a priority for CIGE. Simultaneously, CIGE has continually engaged with the rapidly internationalizing city of Beijing and its bustling art scene through promotional and philanthropic activities. CIGE sincerely hopes that its vision comes through in this year’s art fair, and that it’s vision of reinvigorating the art scene will find many new sympathizers.