Crafting an Art Legacy: A First-Hand account on Assembling a Chinese Contemporary Art Collection

Chinese contemporary art stands out as a burgeoning market with significant potential. Sylvain Levy, a distinguished art collector, including his wife and daughter have successfully navigated this complex and rewarding domain. In this insightful exploration, we dive into their strategic approach to building a comprehensive collection of Chinese art. Their experiences offer a wealth of knowledge for collectors seeking to understand the intricacies of this market and make informed decisions. Their journey is not just about acquiring art; it's about understanding a culture's narrative and investing in its future. Through his perspective, readers gain an understanding of the factors that make Chinese contemporary art a compelling addition to a diversified portfolio.

Table of Contents

1. Is there a reason why your collection focuses on contemporary Chinese art?
2. How long did it take to get to this stage? 
3. What was your process and what were the challenges? 
4. Are there any opportunities in Chinese and Asian art that might not exist in European art, for example? 
5. How do you see the Chinese contemporary art scene developing? 
6. People may collect art not only for its culture and beauty but also as an investment and a legacy. What approach should they take and what are some things they should not do or avoid? 

Is there a reason why your collection focuses on contemporary Chinese art?

Art is a mirror of society. When we first came to Shanghai in 2005, I felt there was a different logic; something that spoke of a very schizophrenic attitude towards economic development. The city embodies a relentless pursuit of the "superhuman" that redefines traditional definitions of humanity, sustainability, scale, and speed. Somehow these feelings were very inspiring and we wanted to find art and artists that express the relationship between contemporary art production and society. We are also interested in the Chinese artists who are based outside mainland China, for example, in Taiwan, and especially in the Chinese diaspora in Europe and the United States. These artists have played a crucial role in defining Chinese art for audiences outside of China.

How long did it take to get to this stage? 

Fascinated by the energy and creativity we discovered after collecting Western art for the past twenty years, we decided to dedicate ourselves to building a collection of contemporary Chinese art; thus, the DSLcollection was born. Since 2005, we have devoted all our time and effort to this project. Karen, our daughter, who has been involved in the collection since its inception, is now increasingly taking the lead. For the DSLcollection, which focuses on Chinese contemporary art, building a collection is an act of decentering, of immersing oneself in another civilization, in another culture, that of the world's second-largest economy, in order to multiply one's approaches.

What was your process and what were the challenges? 

Being in Paris and not speaking the language presented the biggest challenge in creating our collection. In the early stages of this adventure, we were assisted by Chinese artists based in France who introduced us to mainland Chinese artists. We dedicated a significant amount of time to this endeavor, traveling to the country four times a year for 15 days each visit. Our journeys involved going from studio to studio, visiting art galleries and museums, and immersing ourselves in the local art scene. This approach allowed us to maintain close contact with the artists, engage in meaningful dialogues, and foster friendships. Day by day, our collection grew. When not in China, we stayed connected to the Chinese art world through WeChat, keeping abreast of the latest developments and trends.

Are there any opportunities in Chinese and Asian art that might not exist in European art, for example? 

I think the peculiarities of the Chinese and Asian art market are controlled by Generation Z, which is less the case in Europe. The art world in Asia is also much more digitally oriented than in the West.

How do you see the Chinese contemporary art scene developing? 

The future of the Chinese art market is bright, supported by a nation with over 1 billion people, a substantial affluent population, and a robust existing market. Additionally, art collecting has emerged as a significant activity among Generation Z, signaling a shift in cultural engagement. However, the evolving state's attitude towards art and wealth poses a potential challenge. Importantly, China's rich cultural tapestry, spanning 6,000 years, and its status as one of the largest cultural spaces in the world, should not be overlooked in its influence on the art scene.

People may collect art not only for its culture and beauty but also as an investment and a legacy. What approach should they take and what are some things they should not do or avoid? 

"Collecting" is not synonymous with "accumulating," nor is it equivalent to "investing." It involves the careful acquisition of objects that relate to one another, creating an arrangement that reflects the collector's personal response and interpretation. A true collection develops its own personality, distinct from the mere sum of its parts. I believe that diversity is a strength of any collection. In this process, the collector should not overshadow the art; rather, the art itself must take center stage. The artists, too, deserve the spotlight. My role, my true power, lies in facilitating this. This approach aligns with what curator Hans Ulrich Obrist terms 'fundamental invisibility,' emphasizing the importance of the art and the artist over the collector.

Conclusion

Sylvain Levy and his family's foray into the world of Chinese contemporary art transcends mere collection. Their journey underscores a profound engagement with the cultural and historical narratives of the art they collect. Through their experiences, we learn that art collection is not just about possession but about understanding and appreciating the broader cultural context. The Levys' strategic approach, embracing both traditional values and modern digital shifts, offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the dynamic landscape of Chinese art. Their story illustrates how a thoughtfully curated art collection can become a vibrant conduit for cultural exchange and understanding.