Art With Your Cash: Meet Tamsin Roberts, the savior of art buyers on a budget

Tamsin Roberts got involved in Beijing’s art scene as soon as she moved here in 2004. Her gallery, Red T Space, was demolished in 2007, but Red T survives as a platform for supporting and promoting the work of emerging talents. Affordable Art Beijing (AAB), which Tamsin launched in 2005 with Tom Pattinson of Time Out Beijing, is one of Red T’s key projects. Though Tamsin is no longer based in Beijing, the initiatives she set up are still going strong – here’s what she had to say ahead of AAB 2009.

What is Affordable Art Beijing?

It is a large-scale exhibition showing works by Chinese and international artists, some fairly established. All the work is for sale at under RMB 10,000, so it gives the public a once-a-year opportunity to buy art easily (price or convenience). It is also an attempt to get art out into the community, which will hopefully in turn help to develop local appreciation for the arts and develop the scene for the better.

How did you come up with the idea?

I was working with a lot of emerging artists through Red T, many of whom were good and still not overpricing their work. Tom Pattinson and I were talking about this and how I wanted to do a big show, and we came up with the idea together – he would help promote it and I would source all the art, with the premise that [each piece] was under RMB 8,000 (for the inaugural show). I think it is a great way to get art out there and let those who normally might not be able to afford some original work have the chance [to buy]. We both loved the idea, and so set it up – we have made a relative success of it so far.

How has the fair evolved over the years?
It has just got bigger and bigger, and while we still haven’t ironed out all the creases, like the payment systems and transport logistics, it is definitely more streamlined than it was.

Was this kind of event something Beijing’s art scene needed?

Yes! Because despite the abundance of art galleries in Beijing, many of them sell art at crazy prices. Often it is because the work is by famous artists, but there are many opportunist galleries all over the place selling average art for too much money. Affordable Art Beijing offers good value artwork, so those who want to own something original, can. It is easy – you don’t have to trawl all around 798 asking the price of everything you like – it is convenient and it is fun, but it only happens once a year.

Have events like this sprung up in other cities in China?

Well, in theory, no – nothing like ours. We do plan to expand to other cities though. We did have an unfortunate mistrust experience with a sponsor last year, who stole the idea and held a much smaller version of the event in a different city. It was a really sneaky and dishonest thing to do – but not entirely improbable.

Around how many submissions do you usually get a year?

About 1,000 this year.

How do you choose which artists to showcase?

I go through the work of each artist with my arts director and make pretty quick decisions based on: whether I think the work is any good; if I think there is potential for the artist; if I think it has a place in the market; or if I think it has a place in the fair. To be honest, I try to show what is available in the market at the time; it can’t be related to my taste, because that would narrow the selection dramatically. So we have a really broad and often contentious selection of work, as art is so subjective.

Does AAB only show works by Beijing artists, or do you bring in artists from all over China?

All over China – that’s why the transport is often difficult.

Have any prominent artists emerged from AAB in the past?

We have shown artists who have emerged after the fair and I like to think it has something to do with us. But we also attract artists who are already out there [and simply] support the idea. Sheng Qi is our oldest and most reliable supporter. He puts work in every year. Zhou Jun had lots of work in the first show and nobody bought it – I think it was a little too early for photography in Beijing then. We have also sold Hei Yue, Yin Kun, Yin Jun, Zhang Hui, Yao Junzhong and Pang Yongjie. Many of the newer artists we show get exhibitions after AAB with other galleries.

Which artists should people look out for?
Good ones! It’s so subjective, and I don’t want to give anything away.

Who are currently your favorite artists?

Chinese: Wang Wei – she takes photographs that nobody else thought to do. They reflect a real China, not a staged version. She is interested in the lives of the normal people of regular China – those working in hotels or coal mines, or living in towns no-one has heard of. She has a genuine artistic integrity and desire to be great at what she does.

I think Liu Ding is a wonderful multi-media artist. He is also truly interested in the stories behind his work and developing ideas. I think Zhong Donghong is one of the most beautiful painters.

In China but foreign: Oak Taylor-Smith and Martin Barnes. They are pioneering an art movement in Beijing which is coming up with really fabulous work and exhibition concepts. I’m sad I can’t be more of a part of it. I have always been a fan of Oak’s photography and Martin’s design and think it is awesome they have joined forces and created Beijing Pop. Watch that space – it is super-cool and super-creative – and super-fun.

Overseas: I am now working with Western artists, and while I have always had an interest and basic knowledge, I am getting to know some of them much more. Shirin Neshat is an inspiring artist from Iran. Her work is so beautifully sensitive and deeply rooted in her fascinating background.
Martin Mull is a brilliant painter who used to be an actor. He’s one of the LA set, good friends with Steve Martin and a very funny take on the American Dream of the 1950s.
Anish Kapoor, I like him a lot too. I could go on and on …

In what direction is Beijing’s contemporary art scene going?

There is too much opportunism and not enough genuine process and creativity. There is some great stuff, but the bandwagon boys are ruining it for the rest of them in terms of reputation. It needs better support and nurturing.

Are as many people interested in buying art in spite of the economic crisis?

Numbers are down, and there are many schools of thought, but the bottom line is this: Not as many people are buying art as last year, but generally we can all just about stay afloat. Affordable Art is a great low-risk investment. Sensible, high-end art is going to keep its value.

What price should one expect to pay at AAB?

Anywhere between RMB 200-10,000.

Without AAB, what would one normally pay for this type of work?

Between double and triple the AAB price.

What advice would you give to those new to Beijing’s contemporary art scene and just starting a collection?

Come and talk to me! Love what you buy and think about its relevance. Those who paint refreshing stuff are thinking for themselves, which is important. Look for process and talent in the execution of the work and consider the type of collection you want to build up before you start buying up. You want there to be consistency, or at least a connection between the pieces in your collection.

Besides AAB, where are the best places in Beijing to view and purchase contemporary art?

798 always used to be, but lately it seems to have turned into a fashion-conscious coffee shop. It is, of course, still the place with the most on offer, and there is always some good stuff to see. Faurschou, Continua and Ullens are my favorite places. I think Ullens is doing a good job. Today Art Museum often has interesting shows on, and the Pingod area has an arty feel to it. Caochangdi is completely soulless, but there is a more genuine feel out there and some good stuff to see.

Faurschou Gallery Beijing

Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. Dashanzi art district, 4, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8459 9316/14) www.faurschou.com
林冠画廊, 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区

Galleria Continua

Tue-Sun 11am-6pm. Dashanzi art district, 2 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5978 9505) www.galleriacontinua.com
常青画廊, 朝阳区酒仙桥路2号798大山子艺术区

Ullens Center for Contemporary Art

Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. Dashanzi art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8459 9269) www.ucca.org.cn
尤伦斯当代艺术中心, 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区

Today Art Museum

Daily 9am-5pm. Pingod Space, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5862 1100) www.todayartmuseum.com

今日美术馆, 朝阳区百子湾路32号

Caochangdi

Caochangdi, Chaoyang District.
朝阳区草场地

Affordable Art Beijing runs from May 30-31. The Orange. The Village at Sanlitun, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District.
朝阳区三里屯路19号The Village