Asia Art Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 4 Week of 3 March 2025
(1) Artists told to ‘keep an eye on Temu’ for rip-offs
New Zealand artists are being told to “keep an eye on Temu” to make sure their work is not being duplicated and sold on the giant online shopping platform.
(2) Art Professionals Scramble As New Trump Tariffs Against Canada, Mexico and China Go Into Effect
Experts say new tariffs implemented by President Trump will hurt art sales.
(3) Thailand’s Rising Status as an Art Hub in Southeast Asia
Marisa Chearavanont is committed to enhancing Thailand’s contemporary art scene through philanthropic initiatives and collaborations.
(4) Jockey Club celebrates 53 years of support for Hong Kong Arts Festival
The Hong Kong Arts Festival features diverse performances, including classical music and innovative adaptations, while engaging local youth and blending art with technology.
(1) Artists told to ‘keep an eye on Temu’ for rip-offs
(Photo Credit: Giselle Clarkson)
New Zealand artists are being advised to “keep an eye on Temu” to ensure their work is not duplicated and sold on the popular online shopping platform. This warning follows the sale of a counterfeit version of artist Giselle Clarkson’s ‘Fish Species of New Zealand’ poster on Temu for $7.44, while the original is sold at endemicworld gallery in Ponsonby for $59. Elliot Alexander, the gallery owner, highlighted that this issue is ongoing, with the speed of such infringements increasing.
Both Alexander and Ben Cain from law firm James & Wells noted that while New Zealand artists face challenges with copyright enforcement, international platforms like Temu often escape similar scrutiny. Cain urged copyright owners to monitor Temu closely and encouraged them to use the platform’s complaints mechanism to report infringements. However, he cautioned that even if a listing is removed, similar items might appear again under different names.
Creative NZ and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage directed inquiries to Copyright Licensing New Zealand, where chief executive Sam Irvine indicated that artists could send cease-and-desist letters with the help of subsidised services. He stressed the importance of protecting artistic property rights, likening infringement to the theft of physical property. Temu responded by stating that it takes intellectual property concerns seriously and has removed the disputed listing while adding the artist’s works to its database for monitoring.
News Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/543469/artists-told-to-keep-an-eye-on-temu-for-rip-offs
(2) Art Professionals Scramble As New Trump Tariffs Against Canada, Mexico and China Go Into Effect
(Photo Credit: Jim Watson/ AFP)
As of midnight on Tuesday, President Donald Trump imposed significant tariffs on imports from China, alongside Canada and Mexico, which has raised concerns within the art community. The new 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports, in addition to existing duties, complicates the sale and transportation of artworks, as many art supplies and related merchandise made in China will now incur higher costs. This is particularly troubling for art dealers and professionals who were hoping for a return to normalcy in 2025, as the tariffs create uncertainty and increase the expenses associated with acquiring and exhibiting art.
Chinese artworks and materials were previously exempt from tariffs under the US Harmonised Tariff Schedule, but the new tariffs mean that costs for artworks, art supplies, and even shipping logistics will rise. For example, a work priced at US$10,000 could see its price significantly increase due to the tariffs, making it less appealing for buyers, especially in a market where consumers are already price-sensitive. The impact is compounded by weak foreign exchange rates for the Chinese yuan, which further complicates transactions involving Chinese artists and galleries.
Despite these challenges, there is a potential silver lining, the tariffs may spark renewed interest in domestic and regional art markets. Some art professionals are noting a growing emphasis on Chinese and Asian artists in international exhibitions and fairs. This shift could lead to increased collaboration between Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese artists, as art markets look to diversify and reduce their dependency on the US market. As the global art community adapts to these changes, the focus on China may lead to new opportunities for artists and galleries, encouraging a more interconnected international art landscape.
News Source: https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/art-professionals-scramble-as-new-trump-tariffs-against-canada-mexico-and-china-go-into-effect-1234734439/
(3) Thailand’s Rising Status as an Art Hub in Southeast Asia
(Photo Credit: Chananon Dumrichob)
Marisa Chearavanont, married to Soopakij Chearavanont of CP Group, is dedicated to philanthropy and the arts, aiming to enhance Thailand’s contemporary art scene. Through her initiatives, such as the ‘Chef Cares’ project during the pandemic, she focuses on community impact and promoting Thai artists globally. Marisa has transitioned from being a collector to an “art sharer and enabler,” seeking to establish Thailand as a central hub for contemporary art in Southeast Asia.
With the assistance of curator Stefano Rabolli Pansera, Marisa has initiated significant projects, including the Bangkok Kunsthalle and the Khao Yai Art Forest. The Kunsthalle, located in a modest building in Chinatown, has been designed to be accessible and welcoming, featuring a mix of Thai and international artists. The Khao Yai Art Forest aims to combine art with nature, showcasing large-scale installations that encourage visitors to engage with the environment while contemplating art.
Marisa envisions Thailand rivaling other Asian art capitals and believes the country’s unique cultural background positions local artists as leaders in the Southeast Asian contemporary art scene. She notes a growing interest in art among the younger generation, which she hopes will inspire future Thai artists. With new art institutions emerging and a digital-nomad visa attracting creative individuals, both Marisa and Stefano see a promising future for Thailand’s art ecosystem.
News Source: https://www.prestigeonline.com/th/lifestyle/art-plus-design/discussing-thailands-rising-status-as-an-art-hub-in-the-se-asian-region/amp/
(4) Jockey Club celebrates 53 years of support for Hong Kong Arts Festival
(Photo Credit: HKJC)
The Hong Kong Arts Festival (HKAF) has opened with continued support from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, a long-term partner since the Festival’s inception over fifty years ago. The opening ceremony took place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, attended by notable guests, including the HKSAR Chief Executive and other prominent officials. This year’s performances include Italy’s Orchestra of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna, the Czech National Ballet’s La Sylphide, and Bizet’s romantic opera Carmen.
The Club is sponsoring the world premiere of a Putonghua adaptation of Jules Verne’s classic 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, featuring a collaboration between French and Chinese theatre artists. To encourage local students to appreciate the arts, the Club supports the Student Matinee Programme, which allows students from diverse backgrounds to attend performances for free, accompanied by guided talks to enhance their understanding of the arts.
Also, the Jockey Club InnoArts Series aims to merge art and technology, showcasing the immersive theatre experience No Reality Now, which combines dance with virtual reality (VR). This innovative approach enables audience members to engage with both live performances and augmented versions through VR headsets. The Club’s initiatives align with its mission to promote cultural exchange and support the development of Hong Kong as a centre for international arts.
News Source: https://www.hkjc.org.cn/en-US/about/newsDetail?in_file=2025*02*news_2025022802040
