Li Rui’s BR Gallery represents Chinese contemporary crafts at the Collect art fair in London for the third consecutive year. Despite financial challenges, she is committed to showcasing and promoting Chinese artisans. The gallery has gained recognition, illustrating the fusion of traditional and modern craft, while also advocating for increased support for contemporary crafts in China.
Li Rui, founder of BR Gallery, showcases her collections at the Collect international art fair in London for the third year in a row. As the sole Chinese representative at this significant event from February 26 to March 2, BR Gallery displayed works from over 400 artists across 30 countries, highlighting the creativity in contemporary crafts and designs.
Li dedicates six months to prepare for the fair, including selecting artworks, submitting catalogs, and curating exhibitions. Despite lacking profits, she continues to participate, expressing her desire to connect traditional crafts in China with contemporary art globally. “Every year, I pay out of pocket for the expenses and haven’t made a single penny,” she states, yet remains committed.
BR Gallery has gained recognition, with 19 pieces acquired by esteemed institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the National Museum of Ireland. Isobel Dennis, director of the Collect fair, praises the growth of BR Gallery, expressing a wish for more Chinese artists, given China’s rich craft history.
The exhibit features works integrating traditional Chinese elements with contemporary art, such as the Reproduction series by artist Sun Qiushuang. The centerpiece, a crumpled silver teapot, draws inspiration from traditional Chinese hammering techniques, highlighting the fusion of heritage and modern artistry.
Li’s commitment to promoting contemporary crafts began after visiting Heqing county in 2018, where she saw silversmithing thriving as a significant industry. “As tea drinking makes a comeback… hand-crafted silver teapots, as luxury items, have then come into sight,” she shares, noting the substantial economic impact of silversmithing in the region.
While contemporary Chinese crafts flourish, they often remain overshadowed by traditional handicrafts. Li points out that while academic artisans gain recognition at exhibitions, the domestic market for contemporary crafts is still developing, needing more public awareness and institutional support.
Both Li and Dennis emphasise the role of support from art institutions and the government in fostering innovation in crafts. “The fair is just a stepping stone; it needs someone to be pushing it,” Dennis remarks, while Li stands firm in her belief that her investments in showcasing Chinese art are worthwhile.
Zhu Xueer contributed to this story.
BR Gallery’s presence at the Collect art fair marks a significant effort to connect Chinese contemporary crafts with a global audience. Li Rui’s dedication, despite financial challenges, reinforces the importance of promoting these artworks. The recognition gained over three years of participation illustrates the potential for contemporary Chinese crafts to thrive on the international stage when properly supported.
Original Source: www.chinadaily.com.cn