by Firdy Arman
San Francisco, California
In the history of modern and contemporary art in the United States, the act of collecting has transcended mere acquisition. It has emerged as a nuanced and compelling expression of identity, bridging traditions with contemporary experiences. This is reflected in the recent acquisitions and initiatives by cultural institutions, which highlight the transformative shift towards greater inclusivity and acknowledgment of the mosaic of diverse voices within the American art narrative.
Through its Asian American Art Initiative, Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University recently revealed a captivating new chapter of over 100 new works spotlighting "underrecognized and emerging" artists. On the other side of the Coast, the Brooklyn Museum echoes this need for inclusivity with its groundbreaking first acquisition of an artwork recently by an Asian American woman, Hisako Hibi, addressing the gaps in the museum’s representation of cultural identity.
Amy Henderson, a cultural historian, in a poignant reflection in the Smithsonian Magazine, underlines the growing, pivotal role of American museums in shaping national narratives and cultivating a sense of shared identity.
Moving on to the international stage, Christie's, a global juggernaut in the auction house realm, has unveiled that Asia's young and affluent are driving an insatiable demand for art, and using their appetite as a conduit to reconnect with their ancestral roots by collecting both classical and contemporary Asian art. The Art Basel Survey of Global Collecting 2023 paints a panoramic view of this worldwide trend, portraying individuals utilizing art collections as a potent "mechanism of self-identity".
While the financial aspect of collecting is essential, art also serves a dual purpose, intertwining aesthetic appreciation seamlessly with financial appreciation. For individuals of Asian descent in the U.S., collecting art from Asia becomes a strategic investment, appreciating not only in personal and cultural significance but also accruing real value over time.
Daffodil, 2020 © Donnapa Phurphangam
Without statistical data on the buying patterns of Asian-American collectors, navigating dual cultural backgrounds becomes a means of profound self-discovery in a multicultural landscape. Collectors also emerge as custodians of cultural representation, such Patrick Sun's romantic endeavor to advocate for the LGBTQ community through acquisitions by artists such as Salman Toor. His curated art collection weaves an inspiring and passionate narrative of social change.
Psychologically, collecting serves as a window into the interplay of personal expression, self-esteem, and the innate human desire for connection. In San Francisco, a city where 37.3 percent of its population is Asian, the Asian Art Museum stands tall as a cultural anchor, reflecting the resilience and diversity of the Asian diaspora. According to the museum’s current director and CEO Jay Xu: “Ultimately, it’s about ensuring we’re a place that is relevant to our community.”
Adding a dynamic layer to this narrative is ROUNDCOLLAB, a contemporary Asian art gallery I founded late last year. Heralded by artnet as "one of the newest and most exciting additions to the San Francisco art scene", ROUNDCOLLAB will work tirelessly to amplify distinctive voices within the community, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and celebrate the unique techniques, stories, and perspectives that define contemporary Asian art.
“Embrace”, ROUNDCOLLAB's recent debut exhibition at the Minnesota Street Project, offered a rare glimpse into the artistic landscape of Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Thailand. As ROUNDCOLLAB gracefully joins San Francisco’s art scene, its mission echoes the profound resonance of institutions like the Asian Art Museum, spearheading a cultural shift that not only acknowledges the richness and diversity of contemporary Asian art, but celebrates it.
This article was originally published January 23, 2024 on LinkedIn.
