2009 Oct 07 Tactile Pleasure: Beijing's Art Gallery Shops
After the visual stimulation of wandering a gallery or museum, you want the tactile pleasure of taking those cutting-edge artworks into your very own hands. These stores oblige by selling affordable art-inspired items.
Artopal of Gallery ArtSide
Find a wall clock grinning with Yue Minjun’s “Symbolic Smile” (RMB 500), or a passport wallet featuring Liu Ye’s little girl artworks (RMB 100). Other recognizable works of contemporary Chinese art are splashed on a wide assortment of postcard, mugs and pocketbooks.
Zone D, 798 art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5978 9195) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区D区
Art Store of the Iberia Center for Contemporary Art
Purveys cool designs and knickknacks by local and international designers, including up-and-coming designer Wang Chong’s “insect” collection, which includes a candleholder, mirror, vase, etc. Wang Yang’s retro golden thermos bottle, printed with double happiness characters, is another popular item.
Zone E06, 798 art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5978 9530/1) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区E06区
BTAP Store
The selection is small but decidedly cute – products are inspired by artists that the gallery has featured. Coo over “Windy Bunny” (RMB 650), a limited edition rabbit sculpture designed by Hiroyuki Matsuura, and a “Light Rabbit and Shadow Cat” keychain (RMB 50) by Oscar Oiwa.
Zone E02, 798 art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8457 3245) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区E02区
Gift Center of Today Art Museum
As the name implies, it’s a haven if you’re seeking a unique gift. Highlights include a teacup embellished with big colorful buttons (RMB 255) and a series of “Robot Brooches” (RMB 1,940) by Dutch designer Michiel Ansingh.
Bldg 4, Pingod, 32 Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District (5876 9326) 今日美术馆, 朝阳区百子湾路32号苹果社区4号楼
UCCA Store
The “China Design” area spotlights unique jewelry, bags, T-shirts and bone china diningware created by local young designers. The store also has limited edition pieces by artists such as Qiu Zhijie, Wang Qingsong, Rong Rong, Han Lei and many others.
798 art district, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8610 8844) 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号大山子艺术区
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