SHANGHAI.- Christie’s announces “+86 First Open”, a new initiative and sale providing a global platform and a fresh perspective on Chinese contemporary art. +86 will be launched in New York and Shanghai this autumn. Referring to China’s country code, +86 will introduce an international programme of exhibitions, lectures, art forums, private sales and auctions, reaffirming Christie’s vision and dedication to this category.

Jinqing Cai, President of Christie’s China, declared: “Spurred by the socio-economic and cultural changes, Chinese contemporary art has regained a new vitality, while its enthralling creative energy continues to capture the world with renewed interest. By presenting a panoramic vision of emerging Chinese artists in Christie's Shanghai this fall, we look forward to becoming an integral part of the current contemporary art dynamic, and a catalyst of future growth of the art market in China.”

Offered at Christie’s Shanghai on 24 October, the inaugural +86 auction will be launched in New York during First Open on the occasion of its 10th anniversary, with an exhibition of selected works on view from 26 to 29 September at the Rockefeller Center. The sale's highlights will also tour to Chengdu and Beijing in October, before the sale in Shanghai.

The inaugural +86 auction will feature a finely curated selection of 33 works of art, including paintings, photographs, installations and videos, demonstrating Christie’s unparalleled strength in this category and the unique curatorial approach it brings to showcase the revolutionary, experimental and ground-breaking works of today’s Chinese artists.

“In line with our global vision to develop auctions of cutting edge contemporary art, and as a continuation to the critically acclaimed First Open in London and New York, we are thrilled to present “+86” in China. 40 works of diverse media, styles and themes by a new generation of home grown artists, passionate and ready to set the new course of Chinese contemporary art,” said Francois Curiel, Chairman, Christie’s, Asia Pacific.

Presenting an unprecedented array of works including Purple Air by Liu Wei (b. 1972) and Rigid Body by Qiu Xiaofei (b. 1977), the auction features an ensemble of some of the most energetic and radical Chinese artists working today. Born in the period that ranges from the late 1960s to late 1980s, the artists featured in the auction include Zhang Enli (b. 1965), Qu Fengguo (b. 1966), Chen Xiaoyun (b.1971), Ouyang Chun (b. 1974), Huang Yuxing (b. 1975), Chen Qiulin (b. 1975), Tu Hongtao (b. 1976), Xu Zhen (b. 1977), Shi Zhying (b. 1979), Sun Xun (b.1980), Ran Huang (b. 1982), and Chen Tianzhuo (b. 1985), etc. Their works explore a wide variety of subjects, such as social and historical topics, psychological issues and personal confrontations, as well as reflections on tradition and popular culture.

Danqing Li, Specialist Head of “+86 First Open”, Asian 20th Century and Contemporary Art, commented: “Characterized by their passion, resilience, creativity, technical ability and knowledge of materials, these artists represent the present and the future of Chinese contemporary art. Following two full years of assiduous research, Christie’s is delighted to unveil ‘+86 First Open’ in response to the growth in global interest. We hope our belief in Chinese contemporary art will blaze a trail that continues to attract new and seasoned collectors alike.”