TAIWANESE COLLECTOR WINI LIANG’S ADVICE ON PICKING THE ‘GOOD ART’
WRITTEN BY Naomi Lo
08.02.2024
Wini Liang’s collection - Dami Kim, Bacchanalian Revelry, 2023, oil on canvas, 100cm x 85cm
Making a presence at art fairs is nothing new for Taiwanese collector Wini Liang. When Liang is on a collecting quest, he does not just pay attention to notable market reviews, but rather looks for art that he finds personally compelling. Aside from fail-proof pieces that Liang owns such as Yayoi Kusama's pumpkin limited edition and Javier Calleja’s wide-eyed collectible, he also adheres to "finding pieces that you are willing to hang on the wall." At this point, Dami Kim's absurd old master and Josh Jefferson's wave-like painting are Liang’s recent favourites.
1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and how did you start collecting art?
I studied art and design in high school, and have since realised that I am really interested in everything related to "beauty". As I grew up, I gained the ability to collect art. In addition, I like to live surrounded by art, which makes me more motivated to collect.
2. Can you walk us through some of your favourite pieces from your collection?
Everything I collected are my babies but If I had to choose my favourite art, I will say abstract art that I have recently collected, from European and American artists like Josh Jefferson and Xavi Carbonell.
Wini Liang’s collection - Josh Jefferson, Put Your Worries in My Pocket, 2023, Acrylic and Flashe on Canvas, 152.4 x 121.9 cm
Xavi Carbonell, Show Must Go On, 2020, mixed media on canvas, 148 x 148 cm
3. When you buy art, which one speaks to you more? In-depth market research on an artwork or personal taste? And why?
To be honest, I prefer to look at the image of the works and to see if the works can fit in my home. Placing the works in my house not only can nurture personal taste but also allow me to to discuss art with friends who come visit, introducing and sharing what I collected.
Interior view of Wini Liang’s collection
4. For those who just started their collecting journey, what is the advice for picking ‘Good art’?
Collect art you really like and complements your home wall rather than just focusing on the market value. I believe that ‘good art’ can be appreciated for its visuals, skills, materials, or even its artistic meaning.
5. Advice on artwork storage and maintenance
Artwork needs to be well ventilated and avoid moisture if possible.
Wini Liang’s collection - Kinjo, One’s Eye (1), 2023, Acrylic, Oil Stick, Aerosol and Oil Pastel on Canvas, 130.3 x 97.0 cm
6. Art fairs to recommend to fellow art lovers
Wini Liang stumbled upon Chinese Canadian artist Pucky’s iridescent portrait during Art Central Hong Kong in 2024
I would suggest starting with hotel art fairs such as Art Moments Jakarta and Mango Art Fair in Bangkok, which I think are beginner-friendly in terms of their price and the size of the artworks as well as a great way to build an aesthetic vision. After That, they can move on to local art fairs. Art Taipei and Art Taichung are my go-to. These artworks are bigger in size, and collectors can reach galleries from other countries. Additionally, collectors take part at international art fairs such as Art Basel and Tokyo Dang Dai. Artworks there are most likely top-notch. In the meantime to explore overseas culture and different aspects of the fairs.