From Table to Canvas
by Jaki Faulkner
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ArtNetworking has been in Shanghai for eleven years, promoting fine artists from across the globe via both an online platform and regular rotating exhibitions across venues such as restaurants, hotels and private businesses. Established in 1999, the organization has grown from its original base in San Francisco to cover networks as far apart as Taipei, Los Angeles, Singapore and Denmark.
This month marks the launch of its latest partnership, featuring painter Guan WeiJun in the spotlight at Belgian restaurant Chambar. WeiJun will be the first artist to display his collection at Chambar and the idea is to follow on with a fresh name each month. Born in 1956 in Shanghai, he studied in Belgium at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and has won more than ten international prizes around the world, with solo exhibitions across Europe - some of his pieces have even made it into the collection of the Belgian royal family.
His paintings display an amazing sensitivity of light and color, and often explore his personal vision of legendary tales; of narratives or historical episodes from a distant past. Quiet and smiling, he shies away from political, contemporary notions of art practice and prefers instead to display a pure talent, as opposed to the "shock value" approach, placing himself in a more grounded fine art appreciation and practice.
Chambar's manager, Fissal Oubida, has been looking forward to the project for months, working alongside ArtNetworking's CEO, Art Liang. "We want to arrange the art on display each month for the fullest pleasure to the eyes of our clientele while they enjoy the taste of our cuisine," says Oubida. "Each table in our ‘Chambar Dining - Art Gallery' series will feature a guide to the current exhibition, so diners will be able to browse the work "at table" and then walk through the floors to see their favorite pieces "up close"."
Opening reception parties will be held each month, with the artist of the moment present to tour the exhibition with guests, in addition to weekly events held to promote the art on a continuous basis.
Oubida adds, "As Chambar appreciates art and the artists, we will promote both by offering free dinners to our food-and-art-connoisseur customers - including a beautiful selection of wine or delicious Belgian beer - for every art piece that is purchased from the exhibition."
The opening ceremony of the gallery and the launch of the event will be held on Sunday, November 21 at 5pm.
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