We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Wang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Cindy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

As a Chinese American deeply immersed in the art industry for over a decade, I’ve noticed the burgeoning presence of top-notch contemporary Asian artists in the global art market. Despite this, the challenge of securing visibility for most contemporary Asian artists within the global art market remains significant. This issue is not merely a professional observation; many of my Asian friends also share a sense of alienation when unable to find art that resonates with us personally in museums and galleries.

Reflecting on the past, the last significant surge in Asia’s art market occurred around 2006, a period characterized by the rise of Chinese contemporary art, which then led the contemporary Asian art scene. This era witnessed a boom in the auction market for Chinese contemporary art, propelling many artists to international fame and million-dollar sales. Experiencing this historic moment was exhilarating, but it left me pondering when we might witness such glory again.

My frequent travels to New York for work in recent years have been revealing, showcasing a vibrant scene of excellent Asian-owned galleries. This discovery is particularly inspiring against the backdrop of the marginal status of Asian artists in the Western-dominated contemporary art world, and even more so in Los Angeles, where contemporary galleries operated by Asians and majorly representing contemporary Asian artists are exceedingly rare. This realization has solidified my commitment to supporting and showcasing Asian talent, driven by the belief that these artists deserve wider recognition and a global platform. This motivation led me to establish The Scholart Selection gallery, aimed at elevating Asian artists on the international stage. The gallery transcends being merely a space; it embodies a mission to foster global understanding and celebrate diversity, amplifying the voices of Contemporary Asian artists and spotlighting their work for both local and global audiences. It plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between artworks, their artists, and supportive collectors, and in forming lasting connections that transcend cultural differences.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey from a university graduate with a degree in Commercial Design to a media industry entrepreneur has been a transformative one. After graduating from university, I ventured into the media industry, founding a company specializing in television program production and public relations. This experience, particularly as the founder and producer of a renowned Chinese-language art podcast, “The Scholart,” allowed me unparalleled access to a diverse array of artists and notable figures in the art industry, also enriching my understanding of art. Currently, “The Scholart” is Broadcast on the AM1300 Chinese Radio Station, renowned as one of the most influential Chinese-language media outlets in the U.S. It reaches many audiences in the state, especially in Southern California, encompassing over 100,000 individuals.

My background in content creation has been instrumental in promoting The Scholart Selection and our exhibitions to a broader audience. Understanding how to present art in a manner that resonates with collectors, art enthusiasts, and novices has allowed me to break down barriers, making contemporary art more relatable and accessible. I achieve this by sharing the compelling stories behind each artwork and creating a network that fosters connections between artists, art enthusiasts, and collectors. This approach has not only promoted the gallery but has also highlighted the richness and diversity of contemporary art. This approach also sets The Scholart Selection apart to transcend the traditional role of art display and act as a storyteller, educator, and connector in the community.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Starting in 2023, I created “Cindy’s Art Space,” a Chinese-language video channel on social media platforms. It aims to enrich the global Chinese-speaking communities with an understanding of contemporary art through videos. The track has already celebrated over 100,000 followers and has surpassed 5 million views across social media platforms like WeChat Channel, Red, and YouTube.

One reason for Cindy’s Art Space’s success is that I transform complex art jargon into engaging stories, unraveling the rich tapestry of iconic exhibitions and deepening understanding across diverse cultural landscapes. As a social media influencer specializing in the art industry, I believe it is paramount to strike a delicate balance between professionalism, which may disengage your audience, and entertainment, which could undermine respect for art. The content should be rich in information and knowledge yet firmly anchored in your unique artistic perspective. This approach is instrumental in cultivating a following that genuinely appreciates your viewpoint. Also, do not chase popularity or allow audience preferences to dictate your content, which can lead to a loss of identity and trap you in a cycle of chasing fame, detracting from the originality and integrity of your work.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As a gallery owner, I am keen to diversify and invigorate the Los Angeles art market. My visits to New York City, the epicenter of global contemporary art, showed me how the city has attracted artists from every corner of the globe—from Soho and Tribeca to Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Long Island City—creating a vibrant yet challenging artistic landscape. Although the art market in Los Angeles is not as vibrant as in New York, Los Angeles hosts a community deeply interested in art exhibitions and in collecting artworks. This realization fueled my aspiration to bring East Coast artists, especially those from New York, to Los Angeles for exhibitions.

A prime example of this initiative is The Scholart Selection’s hosting of the “Floating Life, Wandering Dream” exhibition from March 3 to April 7, 2024. This was the first West Coast solo exhibition for New York-based Chinese Artist Xu Jin, demonstrating our commitment to presenting talented Asian artists in Los Angeles. Over the past year, I frequently traveled between Los Angeles and New York to ensure optimal communication with the artist, focusing on the exhibition’s details and creating an immersive experience for viewers and collectors alike. This process involved extensive discussions and decisions to best represent and interpret the artist’s journey.

In this fast-paced era, the nuanced relationship between gallery owners and artists has become increasingly important. Beyond a single exhibition, I aim for a long-term collaboration that considers an artist’s growth, market presence, and collector engagement. This approach extends beyond merely displaying and selling art; it involves a deep understanding of the artist’s creative philosophy and practice, ensuring their visual language and personal style are fully represented. This is crucial for promoting talented Asian artists on the international art stage, a mission to which The Scholart Selection and I are deeply committed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thescholart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindywangart?igsh=NzBmMjdhZWRiYQ==
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/thescholartselection/

Image Credits
Luna Hao