Together with Mandy Zhang Art, we're thrilled to confirm the very first works that will be available for bidding as part of Artscope: Aid Ukraine 2023 this summer. As the team works hard to prepare for our inaugural charity event in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts, Mandy reflects on her personal experiences which inspire her energy and focus.
Director Mandy Zhang was born and raised in China, and received her Bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Xiamen University. She came to London to complete her Masters in Contemporary Curating at the Royal College of Art, and was inspired by the opportunity to encourage contemporary Asian art collecting. After professional experience within the commercial and non-commercial art world, Mandy decided to open her own gallery where she could fully commit to the potential of emerging Asian practice.
“An important part of my overall perspective is that I do not often see borders or limits when it comes to culture,” Mandy explains. “Between growing up in China and then moving to London, I was fortunate to experience a range of traditions and tastes from opposite ends of the world. Not only did I fail to feel forbidden from embracing both cultures, but I saw huge potential to further infuse a hungry Western market with the most exceptional Asian talent.”
Cross-cultural opportunities and an all-inclusive attitude extends to Mandy’s views on foreign politics and global conflict. “In my lifetime, I have never had to witness war; I have only ever known peace and safety. As I grew up, I learned of the extent of the crisis in Ukraine, the Iraseli-Palestinian conflict, and (closer to home) the tension between Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mainland China. My belief in the potential of global citizenship where we learn from each other and share our gifts was in direct opposition to this fighting over territorial claims.”
Mandy’s work has first and foremost been about connecting communities across the world with a mutual appreciation for the power of great art. “Artscope launched Artscope: Aid in order to harness this power and make a difference for those who need it the most, and I am deeply committed to help Kate and Anastasiia fight against the violence that comes with abandoning a sense of community and union. My artists and I are proud to donate the use of the gallery space and proceeds from auctioned artworks to support such efforts for political and for artistic inclusivity throughout the world.”
Mandy has generously offered two master works by YBA artists Gary Hume and Tracey Emin. Additionally, artists Wu Song and Wenhai Ning will participate with works on paper and oil on canvas, which both engage with the subject of nature and crucially, humanity's place within it.
Inspired by the beauty and complexity of flowers, Wu Song's current work is focused on creating abstract paintings that explore nature's emotional and spiritual dimensions. His series of paintings titled "Floral Impressions" combines bold brushstrokes and vibrant colours to create a sense of movement and dynamism that invites the viewer to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the natural world.
Wu Song, 'Floral Impressions 1-VI', 2020. Acrylic on paper, 41.5x41.5cm. Starting bid: £500 each or £2600 for the full series.
Wenhai Ning's works revolve around the interaction between the natural environment and human beings, introspecting human behaviour which destroys nature. Ning utilises multiple materials to restore the true texture of the natural objects, echoing the audience's personal life experience. Doing so, allows more possibilities to spill into the current world and collective consciousness.
Be sure to follow us on social media and regularly check our website for more information about the talented artists and team members heralding this initiative. Bidding on these works will go live in early May, so keep an eye out for additional announcements. For all press enquiries, including further information on Artscope and Artscope: Aid, please email kate@artscopeintl.com.
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