Q&A: 3812 Gallery
29 April 2024
With The Treasure House Fair opening its doors at Royal Hospital Chelsea in just two months’ time, we thought it high time we began sharing details on the brilliant galleries, dealers and artists joining us at the event.
We begin the series with 3812 Gallery, co-founded by Calvin Hui and Mark Peaker: a dynamic art space with locations in Hong Kong and London. It represents both modern and contemporary Chinese artists, such as Hsiao Chin, a major post-war painter whose works can be found in prestigious institutions like M+ in Hong Kong and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; and Ma Desheng, an internationally renowned Chinese artist based in Paris, who had a solo exhibition at Centre Pompidou in 2022. His works are collected by international institutions including Centre Pompidou, the British Museum, and M+ Museum. 3812 also highlights the significance of ink art, including the works of Raymond Fung from Hong Kong, whose works can be found in notable collections such as The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
The gallery also represents Liu Guofu, a meticulous painter based in Nanjing, whose works are collected by Macau's MGM Chairman's Collection and the Shanghai Art Museum. 3812 continuously expands its artistic vision by working with contemporary artists from diverse genres. This includes celebrated Beijing-based artist Zhao Zhao, recipient of the Artist of the Year Award of Art China (AAC) in 2019, as well as the captivating porcelain creations of Li Hongwei, which have been collected by over 30 prominent institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago and the British Museum, among others.
Li Hongwei, Allegory of Balance #35, 2022, Fired porcelain & stainless steel , 65 x 45 x 127 cm,
Courtesy of the Li Hongwei Studio
Why have you chosen to participate in The Treasure House Fair this year?
In 2023, 3812 Gallery had the opportunity to participate in the first edition of The Treasure House Fair, an experience that left a lasting impression. As this art fair continues to expand at a rapid yet consistent pace, our gallery would be absolutely thrilled to grow alongside it, presenting an exciting opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in the world of Chinese contemporary art.
The fair successfully attracted a diverse group of international collectors who possessed a wide range of interests and a keen eye for quality. In 2023, we had the privilege of connecting with new collectors who held a sincere admiration for the artworks we showcased. A remarkable example of this was the purchase of Chu Teh Chun's vase by a young collector from Southeast Asia, who currently resides in London. The vase was acquired for an impressive sum of EUR 120,000.
Chu Teh-Chun, Luminosité résonante I, 1988
Courtesy of 3812 Gallery
What are you most looking forward to exhibiting during the event?
This year, 3812 Gallery is proud to spotlight the fusion of Chinese mastery with modern European artistry, featuring iconic figures like Chu Teh-Chun and Ma Desheng. These pioneers, including the "Three Musketeers" of modernism and members of the influential 'star group,' have redefined abstract art across continents.
Chu Teh-Chun's masterpieces grace over 50 museums worldwide, earning him prestigious French honours such as the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2001. Meanwhile, Ma Desheng's significant contributions are recognized globally, with works in the Ashmolean Museum, the British Museum, and a solo exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His artistry has been celebrated with France's "Ordre des Arts et des Lettres."
But that's not all - we're also shining a light on contemporary talents like Liu Guofu, Li Hongwei, and Qian Wu, alongside emerging artists from our YA! Young Art exhibition both in London and Hong Kong. This diverse assembly of artists, spanning different backgrounds and eras, allows us to present a rich tapestry of the past, present, and future of the art scene.
How did you first learn about The Treasure House Fair and what makes it stand out from other fairs?
3812 Gallery had the privilege of being acquainted with Mr. Thomas Woodham-Smith and Mr. Harry Van Der Hoorn, the co-founders of The Treasure House Fair, during our participation in Masterpiece in previous years. Their exceptional vision and professionalism left a lasting impression on us, and we are delighted to embark on this remarkable journey with the new team behind The Treasure House Fair.
We take great pride in sharing The Treasure House Fair's vision of bridging tradition and innovation, fostering an art collective, and embracing bespoke lifestyle experiences.
What advice would you give to people visiting the fair for the first time?
The Treasure House Fair offers an intimate and charming setting, brimming with delightful surprises. Beyond its remarkable museum-quality exhibits, the fair also presents an array of truly impressive culinary delights and exquisite wine selections, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.
At booth 106, we will present a collection of Chinese contemporary artworks by master artists and a new generation of talents, where the dialogue between tradition and innovation flourishes, creating a harmonious blend that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Whether you're captivated by the dynamic energy of a contemporary painting or the serene beauty of a sculptural piece, our collection is a testament to the diverse expressions of human creativity.
Ma Desheng, One Heart, 2009. 150 x 250 cm. Acrylic on canvas
Courtesy of the Artist
We begin the series with 3812 Gallery, co-founded by Calvin Hui and Mark Peaker: a dynamic art space with locations in Hong Kong and London. It represents both modern and contemporary Chinese artists, such as Hsiao Chin, a major post-war painter whose works can be found in prestigious institutions like M+ in Hong Kong and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York; and Ma Desheng, an internationally renowned Chinese artist based in Paris, who had a solo exhibition at Centre Pompidou in 2022. His works are collected by international institutions including Centre Pompidou, the British Museum, and M+ Museum. 3812 also highlights the significance of ink art, including the works of Raymond Fung from Hong Kong, whose works can be found in notable collections such as The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
The gallery also represents Liu Guofu, a meticulous painter based in Nanjing, whose works are collected by Macau's MGM Chairman's Collection and the Shanghai Art Museum. 3812 continuously expands its artistic vision by working with contemporary artists from diverse genres. This includes celebrated Beijing-based artist Zhao Zhao, recipient of the Artist of the Year Award of Art China (AAC) in 2019, as well as the captivating porcelain creations of Li Hongwei, which have been collected by over 30 prominent institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago and the British Museum, among others.
Li Hongwei, Allegory of Balance #35, 2022, Fired porcelain & stainless steel , 65 x 45 x 127 cm,
Courtesy of the Li Hongwei Studio
Why have you chosen to participate in The Treasure House Fair this year?
In 2023, 3812 Gallery had the opportunity to participate in the first edition of The Treasure House Fair, an experience that left a lasting impression. As this art fair continues to expand at a rapid yet consistent pace, our gallery would be absolutely thrilled to grow alongside it, presenting an exciting opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in the world of Chinese contemporary art.
The fair successfully attracted a diverse group of international collectors who possessed a wide range of interests and a keen eye for quality. In 2023, we had the privilege of connecting with new collectors who held a sincere admiration for the artworks we showcased. A remarkable example of this was the purchase of Chu Teh Chun's vase by a young collector from Southeast Asia, who currently resides in London. The vase was acquired for an impressive sum of EUR 120,000.
Chu Teh-Chun, Luminosité résonante I, 1988Courtesy of 3812 Gallery
What are you most looking forward to exhibiting during the event?
This year, 3812 Gallery is proud to spotlight the fusion of Chinese mastery with modern European artistry, featuring iconic figures like Chu Teh-Chun and Ma Desheng. These pioneers, including the "Three Musketeers" of modernism and members of the influential 'star group,' have redefined abstract art across continents.
Chu Teh-Chun's masterpieces grace over 50 museums worldwide, earning him prestigious French honours such as the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Académiques and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur in 2001. Meanwhile, Ma Desheng's significant contributions are recognized globally, with works in the Ashmolean Museum, the British Museum, and a solo exhibition at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. His artistry has been celebrated with France's "Ordre des Arts et des Lettres."
But that's not all - we're also shining a light on contemporary talents like Liu Guofu, Li Hongwei, and Qian Wu, alongside emerging artists from our YA! Young Art exhibition both in London and Hong Kong. This diverse assembly of artists, spanning different backgrounds and eras, allows us to present a rich tapestry of the past, present, and future of the art scene.
How did you first learn about The Treasure House Fair and what makes it stand out from other fairs?
3812 Gallery had the privilege of being acquainted with Mr. Thomas Woodham-Smith and Mr. Harry Van Der Hoorn, the co-founders of The Treasure House Fair, during our participation in Masterpiece in previous years. Their exceptional vision and professionalism left a lasting impression on us, and we are delighted to embark on this remarkable journey with the new team behind The Treasure House Fair.
We take great pride in sharing The Treasure House Fair's vision of bridging tradition and innovation, fostering an art collective, and embracing bespoke lifestyle experiences.
What advice would you give to people visiting the fair for the first time?
The Treasure House Fair offers an intimate and charming setting, brimming with delightful surprises. Beyond its remarkable museum-quality exhibits, the fair also presents an array of truly impressive culinary delights and exquisite wine selections, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the event.
At booth 106, we will present a collection of Chinese contemporary artworks by master artists and a new generation of talents, where the dialogue between tradition and innovation flourishes, creating a harmonious blend that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Whether you're captivated by the dynamic energy of a contemporary painting or the serene beauty of a sculptural piece, our collection is a testament to the diverse expressions of human creativity.
Ma Desheng, One Heart, 2009. 150 x 250 cm. Acrylic on canvas
Courtesy of the Artist