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 Red Gate's 15th Anniversary Exhibition | BEIJING | CHINA Dates: July 1 - August 27, 2006 Location: Red Gate Gallery, Beijing, China Levels 1 & 4, Dongbianmen Watchtower Chongwenmen, Beijing Text by Brian Wallace, founder Red Gate Galley With great pleasure Red Gate Gallery and our artists present the gallery's 15th anniversary exhibition to our clients, fellow artists, friends and supporters in China and across the world. In this exhibition we are exhibiting the very latest signature pieces of the 19 artists Red Gate currently represents. Most of these artists have been with the gallery for over a decade, and some the full fifteen years. This speaks volumes for the relationship between Red Gate and the artists and the artists and myself. This relationship has been booth professional and personal, and one that I cherish greatly. To the younger or newer artists who have recently joined Red Gate and to those who will join in the years to come, this relationship serves as the model I hope we will continue to work with - one where we work together as a productive and creative team. Our position has always been at the forefront of Beijing's art scene - recognized as one of the pioneers by everyone involved - artists, visitors, collectors, clients, partners. More recently, as the domestic art market has developed, I am especially pleased that the gallery is recognized by the new visiting Chinese public. This level of support is rewarding for both the gallery and the artists involved, placing us on an even higher level of credibility, and with greater possibilities for the future. Curator and critic Zhang Zhaohui has contributed an essay about the artists in this exhibition. Titled 'Witnessing and Shaping History', his excellent writing provides an overview of the contemporary art scene from the '80s to present from the viewpoint of a gallery. Following this, artists' works are presented in the order of joining Red Gate. The 15 years have been packed with a wide range of exhibitions which have launched or enhanced the careers of many artists who are now household names in the contemporary Chinese art scene. This catalogue has listed, hopefully, all of the exhibitions we have had running from July 1991 to July 2006. As well, many non-Red Gate artists have been involved with us through guest-curated shows, adding dimension and depth to our CV. An appendix details all the artists who have participated in the many guest shows presented over the years, describing an important adjunct of the gallery's commitment to encouragement and exchange. In 2001, Red Gate introduced a visiting artist's programme for international and local artists to come and work in Beijing - a city that is central to one of the most dynamic social and economic restructuring programmes taking place in the world. These artists-in-residence have contributed greatly to the Beijing art scene. They have experienced a profound and challenging time that will inform their practice for a long time to come. This internationally acclaimed programme continues to grow and has been joined by other cultural centres in Beijing such as Pickled Art, Imagine and Long March. The programme has added another level to Red Gate's palette, particularly for international artists interested in traveling to and working in China. There are so many people who have contributed to the running and survival of Red Gate over the years. Special thanks to the late Bronwyn Thomas (Bai Ning) for her selfless support and friendship at the very beginning. Thanks to Guo Shun and Shao Qi for their indefatigable service over the many years. Also, to Carolyn Fitzpatrick and Nicky Combs for their professional help while in Beijing. Thanks also to all the interns who have given their time to learn from Red Gate. To the current team Han Chunhai, Guo Haiying, Wang Jun, Zhang Qiufeng, Qian Hao, Maria Parker and Tony Scott, a special thanks for their support during this time of tremendous growth. Lastly, thanks to all the artists, friends and clients who celebrate this occasion with us today. More info www.redgategallery.com |
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