My Participation in Shang Gallery’s First Entry into the Paris YIA Contemporary Art Fair

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Exhibition dates: October 19–22. Location: Carreau du Temple. In mid-to-late October, I had planned to visit friends in Paris, but it came to nothing. Indeed, plans often fail to keep up with changes; this is not surprising, as events seem to have their own arrangements. During my last trip to Paris, I met Sunny, the director of Shang Gallery, at a contemporary art lecture in Taipei. This single connection led to her invitation for me to participate in Shang Gallery’s affairs at the Paris YIA Art Fair this past October.

Shang Gallery made its first entry into the Paris Contemporary Art Fair YIA (Young International Art Fair). I assisted Meg, Shang Gallery’s administrative representative in Paris, with the fair’s preparation work alongside the organizers. Although the gallery’s administrative tasks were time-consuming, they proceeded smoothly. Meg handled all the gallery administration tirelessly, while I was responsible for introducing the two artists exhibited by Shang Gallery (in French) through sharing lectures, as well as providing consultation and strategic operations for the gallery.

This time, Shang Gallery presented ten works by two Taiwanese artists, Kang Mu-Xiang and Huang Yi-Ming, and Italian artist Aron Demetz, under the theme “Realm of the Mind, Spirit of Nature.” The exhibition attempts to explore the potential spiritual conflicts and transformations humans may face when confronting environmental evolution on Earth amidst generational and conceptual shifts (from Shang Gallery’s press release).

Although professional staff handled the installation, Teacher Chen needed to be present for transportation, unpacking, and setup. Kang Mu-Xiang’s works arrived from Germany, demonstrating German punctuality and professionalism. Aron Demetz’s works arrived from Italy via a French transport company that stood us up, delaying the entire curator team by a day (reportedly, dismantling faced similar delays), revealing the soft power of these two nations. I assisted nearby to establish the space. I participated throughout in determining the indoor and outdoor sculpture spaces and positions. It seemed like a small effort, but this is where true skill lies. Before the opening, we worked on site adjustments. The masterpieces of the two sculptors successfully established their presence. Their works faced Parisian audiences for the first time. Especially Kang Mu-Xiang’s “Cable Series” monument-form works, placed at the entrance of the Paris YIA Art Fair, became the most eye-catching exhibit, attracting the gaze of visitors and passersby. Another highlight was Italian sculptor Aron Demetz, whose creative core constructs around the human figure. He exhibited his new series “Minorities Avancées,” vibrant and dynamic. A monumental abstract modern ink painting by Huang Yi-Ming on the wall focused the energy and attention of the entire exhibition area, becoming the most brilliant domain of this YIA Art Fair.

During the fair on Saturday, October 21, from 13:00 to 15:00, two related artist lectures were held in the Auditorium. Traveling French art critic Chen Chi-Hsiang engaged in dialogue with artists Kang Mu-Xiang and Aron Demetz. Art lovers from all walks of life were welcome to participate! To introduce these two distinctive sculptors represented by Shang Gallery, I collected images and articles of their works online, attempting to deeply explore their true nature, yet finding no clear boundaries. Only after completing the installation and facing the works directly did I intuitively touch upon the shining energy and consciousness of the pieces. Combined with my modest ability to read works plainly, clearer outlines of their creation emerged. This concise and powerful article reflects some profound insights gained after a week of reading their works, making them no longer unfamiliar. These days, the fermentation continued deep within, recording the information and perceptions given by the works at any time.

The sharing and dialogue at the Art Fair were conducted in French. Thus, I simultaneously wrote key points in dual languages (Chinese and French). The procedure was as follows: 1. Introduction – presenting the gallery and contemporary art background; 2. Introducing the artists; 3. Watching artist video materials; 4. Artists explaining their personal creative processes; 5. Dialogue between artists and audience.

The night before the French sharing lecture, I again refined the text, polishing the French rhetoric, simplifying and purifying vocabulary over and over again, like sharpening a sword before battle. Everything was ready, confident in my heart, expecting to succeed during the event. On the day, energetic and carrying my computer, I arrived early at the venue to prepare and test the computer, waiting quietly. Finally, we could enter the beautiful, spacious auditorium to test with technicians. Indeed, plans often fail to keep up with changes; another glitch occurred. Technicians tested for a long time but could not achieve the desired result. Patience was inevitable; we observed calmly. After technicians busied themselves for a while, the lecture time was delayed. Going with the flow, one cannot rush. The problem was finally resolved. Audiences entered, and the sharing lecture began immediately. Although we chose the golden Saturday, a peak visiting day, the fair organizers had already informed us that the lecture would not attract large crowds. Attendance in the beautiful, spacious auditorium was low. Everything seemed to have its own arrangement. Nevertheless, I performed sincerely and enthusiastically. With sculptor Kang Mu-Xiang, I described his personal creative journey with genuine Taiwanese emotion. He spoke in Hokkien, which I interpreted into French. The enthusiastic performance reached peaks, with wonderful dialogues with the audience, marking the climax of the first half of the sharing session.

Next, for the second session, due to time constraints, Italian sculptor Aron Demetz decided to go solo. He knew his creations inside out. Using image projection and fluent English explanation, he precisely articulated the creative process of each series through key vocabulary. Meg translated everything into French in real-time. Both artists shared enthusiastically, engaging in back-and-forth dialogue with the audience, leading them into the core of their works. Under passion and sincerity, we truly felt a feast of art. Our two sharing sessions concluded successfully. I also took photos with both artists to commemorate our encounter at the Paris YIA Art Fair. Everything arises and ceases; cherish this moment of meeting.

Clearly, the artworks by artists promoted by Shang Gallery became the eye-catching focal point of this Paris YIA Art Fair. Many visiting audiences stopped to appreciate the works. It is said that many asked about the pieces, evidenced by the personal data left by visitors, giving Shang Gallery more confidence in entering the Paris art market. The next stop might be Arts Paris in mid-March next year. I sincerely wish Shang Gallery success to those who are determined.

On Saturday evening, Shang Gallery director Sunny invited her so-called Paris team and artists to dinner. We gathered at an authentic French restaurant near the fair to celebrate our cooperation at this Paris YIA Art Fair, marking an encounter in life. The next day, Sunday, under rainy weather, I accompanied my wife to visit the YIA Art Fair, leaving beautiful memories of the three artists recommended by Shang Gallery. In my artistic life, there was added another experience, especially my first-ever French lecture. Early on November 23rd, I returned like a migratory bird to my beloved hometown, opening another stage of my life.