About AAEF Art Center

The AAEF Art Center, located near Zhujiajiao—a water town often referred to as the “Shanghai’s Little Venice”— occupies a spacious factory building that includes a garden and an open roof-top garden, covering a total area of 2,800 square meters. The AAEF is set to open its doors to the public on November 11, 2023, the center is dedicated to the exploration and research of Asian contemporary art, aiming to unravel its cultural narratives. Beyond its primary focus, the AAEF Art Center extends into the heart of the water towns to host a variety of events, including music and film festivals, aspiring to serve as a hub for dialogue and the flourishing of Asian contemporary art. Furthermore, the Art Center Foundation is initiating scholarship programs for aspiring young art students worldwide, promoting the enduring appreciation and creation of distinguished works.

Message

AAEF Art Center Opening Greetings：

Shun Art Gallery, the gallery named after me, was inaugurated during my student years. My journey to this point was so singularly focused, much like a climber urgently ascending to the peak, that I scarcely had the opportunity to appreciate the journey's landscapes.
In November 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a friend called me to Zhujiajiao to view this space. Encountering the large factory building with a garden and rooftop, I knew I had found my ideal venue. It was love at first sight. Four years have passed since that discovery.
This September, I visited New York to see the exhibition "Only the Young: Experimental Art in Korea, 1960s–1970s," which debuted at the National Museum of Modern Art in South Korea in May and is now being showcased at the Guggenheim Museum. This exhibition revisits South Korea's avant-garde art from the 1960s and 1970s and will continue its journey to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. Reflecting on the past, I recall the Gutai exhibition at the National Museum of Art in Tokyo in 2012, which moved to the Guggenheim in 2013. To date, Guggenheim's exploration and analysis of contemporary Asian art have primarily focused on Japan, China, South Korea, and India. Addressing this academic gap is a goal we aim to achieve at AAEF.
We honor the Jiangnan water town, which has thrived for over 1,600 years, by paying particular attention to its regional and human culture. Our plans include hosting various activities, such as music and film festivals, with the hope of making this venue a cornerstone for Asian contemporary art in the hearts of every visitor to Zhujiajiao. Furthermore, the foundation is committed to supporting art students across Asia with scholarships, enabling them to dedicate themselves to their craft. We also intend to organize traveling exhibitions for award winners.
Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kijima Shunsuke, the esteemed former director of the Pola Museum of Art, who retired this summer. He beautifully stated, "Art is the most benevolent creation by mankind." I am blessed to continue engaging in art-related endeavors in Zhujiajiao, a place endowed with a rich natural environment. Our ambition is to establish an experimental and impactful art center.

Rooftop Project

Rooftop Art Project at the AAEF Art Center

The rooftop space of the AAEF Art Center brims with creativity and possibilities. AAEF regularly organizes diverse arrays of art projects to spark the imaginations and creativity of emerging artists. These initiatives make AAEF the cradle to showcase installation art, public art, and all other art forms.

AAEF TEAM

Founder / Director

Shun

In 2023, Shun inaugurated the AAEF Art Center in Zhujiajiao, Shanghai, and established the Asian Art Education Foundation. She boasts a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Tokyo and a Master's degree from the Tokyo School of Culture and Fashion. Shun further enhanced her education at ESMOD Paris.
Shun currently occupies multiple roles, including director of the Art Museum, as well as being a recognized writer, artist, and designer.
She has written nearly 70 articles under the column "Asia's Perspective" for the People's Daily Overseas Edition Japan Monthly, making ongoing contributions to the publication.
In her capacity as a Japanese-Chinese translator, she worked on the translation of "The Art of Encounter" by Lee Ufan, which was reprinted in 2021 by Huacheng Publishing House. Additionally, she published her novel "Crescent Moon" on Amazon in the same year.

AAEF Executive Team

The operation of the art center is inseparable from an excellent team, which consists of Qianhui Mao, Yun Chen, and Xiaozhen Wang from the Shanghai office; and Yingli Huang from the Tokyo branch. Each member is distinct in personality, rich in creativity, have outstanding abilities and qualities. Not only do they work independently, but also support each other.

Executive Director

MAO Qianhui Mao

Qianhui Mao holds a master of Multimedia Arts and Technology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Gallery Manager and Executive Curator, with 12 years of experience in planning and executing contemporary art projects, as well as managing teams.

Curated exhibitions, including “Connections-- Memorial Exhibition: Nobuo Sekine & Shanghai Expo Prints” (2019), “Mass meditation” online exhibition (2020), “Incredible” (2021), “Healing”(2021), “Another One” (2021), “Out Line”(2023) etc.

As an art practitioner in the contemporary art field, I must grasp the essence of art and reality, fulfill my social responsibilities, advance with the times, and promote society to engage in the art industry in which I am engaged.

Artistic Director

CHEN Yun

Yun Chen holds a Master's degree in Artistic & Cultural Project Administration from IESA (Paris), a Master's degree in Plastic Arts from the National University of Amiens in France, and a Bachelor's degree in TV Directing from Shanghai Theater Academy.

With years of experience in galleries, art museums, international art festivals, and various art institutions, Yun has a deep understanding of contemporary art trends. Her passion for art is further evidenced by her engagement in art writing and interviews, enriched by her comprehensive knowledge of art history and philosophical thought. Yun is actively managing, planning, and organizing exhibitions and events. Yun's expertise also extends to institutional collaboration and media operations, showcasing her broad skill set in art management.

Operations Manager

Wang Xiaozhen

Xiaozhen Wang, a former professional model with six years of experience as a supermodel training mentor, has also served as an IKMC model competition judge and show deputy director. She is skilled in managing daily operations, formulating marketing and sales strategies, and overseeing membership operations. Xiaozhen excels at establishing and maintaining social and public relations, promoting project cooperation expansion, and conducting various art-related external communications. With her excellent coordination skills, she adeptly marshals resources from all parties and skillfully manages project progression.

Director of TYO Office

Huang Yingli

Yingli Huang obtained a Bachelor's in Global Studies from Sophia University in Japan. Yingli has previously worked at Japan's largest travel comparison website, is involved in managing Chinese translations and UI/UX design, and was also in charge of planning and sales for the e-commerce business of a women's apparel brand.