YOUNG AT ART A new generation of Chinese collectors is making its mark. Deng Zhangyu reports.

meet their spiritual needs beyond their material riches.”

Part of a lifestyle

account for a large part of his collection.

Huang learned art history at the museum and went to galleries, fairs and auction houses to buy art. He bought about 100 pieces of contemporary art within two years. He also bought emerging international artists’ works, mainly for investment.

“I rarely sell pieces from my collections. I separate the investment part clearly from my collections,” says Huang.

After years in the field, Huang says he better understands the development of contemporary Chinese art. He knows which artists should be in his collection and why. He buys works by those who possess a critical footprint in art history, such as Yang Fudong, Liu Xiaodong and Ding Yi.

“I hope to conduct a world tour of my own collection, specific to a certain art form, such as video,” he says.

Huang is a Buddhist. His mother influenced his religious beliefs. His house still contains many Buddha sculptures.

He spends half his time on art and the rest on his business, which is involved in the cultural, entertainment and investment sectors. His aim is to list the company in Hong Kong.

He travels frequently for business and to expand his collection. He owns a high-end club in Chengdu to display his collections and share them with his friends, many of whom are from the financial sector.

Huang’s Art Chengdu fair next year will work with 30 galleries worldwide to showcase works that appeal to young people.

“I often feel tired and want to sleep for a day,” says Huang.

“But I feel my energy return very quickly when I think about art.”

Stellar draw

PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY Huang Yu (top left) holds a show displaying some of his 300-odd pieces in Chengdu in 2016. Now he’s working to set up the annual Art Chengdu art fair from next year.