The evolution of China's art market has undergone significant changes from the exuberance of the 1990s to the current state-controlled environment, as detailed in Kejia Wu's book 'A Modern History of China’s Art Market' [57c494fd]. In the 1990s, China's art market rapidly expanded, reaching 30% of the global market by 2011. Wu, who became involved in the art scene during this period with the East Modern Art Center, highlights how the landscape has shifted dramatically under the leadership of President Xi Jinping since 2012. The Chinese government has increased its control over the art sector, mandating that artistic expressions align with 'Cultural Construction' and 'Xi Jinping Thought on Culture' [57c494fd].
This state intervention includes funding for artists engaged in government-approved projects, while private market exhibitions face stringent reviews and censorship. Regulations now prohibit works that oppose state principles or promote obscenity, leading to an environment where artists must navigate the complexities of both state and private systems. Notable artists like Zhang Xiaogang and Liu Xiaodong exemplify this balancing act as they create within the confines of state expectations [57c494fd].
As censorship intensifies, the future of China's art market may see a trend where more artists establish studios abroad to escape the increasing restrictions imposed by the government. This shift reflects a broader concern about the implications of state control on artistic freedom and expression in contemporary China [57c494fd].