http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspxBy Adrienne Mong, NBC News Producer A lot of things come to mind when visitors think of Beijing: the Forbidden City, Peking duck, urban renewal, traffic, and pollution. But modern art probably isn't one of them. It turns out, however, that it has aen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#207517Wed, 30 May 2007 13:16:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207517NoahI wouldn't buy any Chinese art. With the problems of forgery and copywrite material and goods, I would heed caution and say, "BUYER BEWARE" is what people need to learn when it comes to buying Chinese and Japanese goods.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#207661Wed, 30 May 2007 14:47:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207661China Law BlogIt is nearly impossible to find "bargains" in Chinese art, it has become so popular. Prices there are at least what one would expect to find for comparable stuff in the US. I think Vietnam is going to be the next big thing. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#207675Wed, 30 May 2007 14:52:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:207675Christina Baker City, OregonI have visited China twice, once in 1995 and again in 2002. I wasn't looking for "art" just crafts and something small enough to take in my bags because we traved by bus, car and several airlines. I bought everything at a price I didn't mind paying and because I liked the piece, not because it was trendy or might be worth more in the States. I also didn't believe any claim of age or artist. I bought with a native Chinese guide with me or alone using a pocket calculator to communicate with the seller for a price we both agreed on. Art pieces should be left to the experts for now. Claims of age and value are common in China; they are a nation of "horse traders." As long as you understand this and don't fall in love with a piece you can't afford, you can have fun shopping in China. But let the buyer beware, in China or any other non-European country. Americans are considered easy marks. In China there are three prices for everything; locals, rich Americans and the price agreed on through barganing. P.S. We bought things in small open air stalls, large department stores and in small, streetside markets.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208343Wed, 30 May 2007 16:35:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208343American JoeArt is Art, buy it, appreciate it, love it for life. Why can't we all just get along instead of stirring up controversy? What did the Europeans say when Warhol and Pollack started to market their stuff?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208376Wed, 30 May 2007 16:38:30 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208376JFRHave been watching these emerging artists for quite some time, through frequent trips to China, and as the prices for their work has skyrocketed. The question is not whether the works and artists are good--some are truly excellent, stylistically interesting and certainly represent a different view than seen before in such broad markets. It's whether the value is sustainable, or the result of "irrational exuberance" being fueled by western buyers trying to trump others by being au courant in owning these comparatively novel works. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208443Wed, 30 May 2007 16:46:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208443Bruce VoyceChinese art can sometimes be as derivative as western art- Hold the presses! After being in the 798 District myself you can see that the art scene there is growing at an unbelievable rate and you will see the good the bad and the ugly. But if you want to see fresh art in this age, I think China has the leadhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208592Wed, 30 May 2007 17:16:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208592SC. MINNESOTA.I AM CHINESE, AND CHRISTINA BAKER HAS THE BEST AND MOST ACCURATE PERCEPTION ON CHINESE ART. THANK YOU.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208598Wed, 30 May 2007 17:18:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208598Nick from PhillySo Noah, What do you know about Chinese and Japanese goods? Buyer beware? So when we're out buying your Honda's, Nissan's, Toyota's, Lexuses, Infinity's, Sony's, etc, we should beware? So Circuit City and Best Buy should red flag 90% of all their merchandise? I may agree on some level that the Chinese are known for economic replicas, but Japanese? All they have been doing is supplying the U.S. most of our everyday used goods and appliances. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208681Wed, 30 May 2007 17:37:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208681Daniel, Chicago, ILI am not as concerned about piracy, copyright infringement as I am with China's continued determination to not allow freedom of Religion. When the hammers are dropped and the dust settles no one in China will ever wonder if they have lived as God wanted them to. Do not be confused Are Father who Art in heavan controlls all souls, where they are born and where they are re born. For those that are subject to the hammer, God remains merciful and all be judged fairly in the end.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208885Wed, 30 May 2007 19:12:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208885Suave, Jersey City NJWhat seams to be at a loss here is the other side of the equation, art like every market is determined by supply and demand. As you increase the mass affluent portion of the Chinese population, you will naturally have upward pressure on what can be termed as rare luxury goods such as their domestically created art (not to mention increased art prices around the world caused by buyers with “newly created wealth”). So the artists within that growing Chinese market who become the “symbol of the cultural movements of there time” will be highly sought after by the growing number of buyers that are being created by China’s economic success. With around 1.3 Billion people that’s plenty of customers, even if only 0.001% of the population will enter the market. (Population of all Europe and the US is just over a billion)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#208977Wed, 30 May 2007 19:56:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:208977lori, VirginiaI lived right around the corner from 789 as it was going in about 4 years ago. In the early days it was just a local attempt at trying to sell overpriced art/merchandise to unsuspecting visitors and the rich locals trying to be trendy westerners. You could drive 30 mins out of town and buy the same stuff for next to nothing. I feel bad for anyone who paid top dollar for anything they may have been led to believe was special. Buyer be very aware. The real kick in the pants is the total experience of watching this country trying to make a name for itself and all attempts at doing so neglecting real social issues at hand. Grossly overpriced art around the corner from locals who can't get fresh clean water--what in the world are we doing??????http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209022Wed, 30 May 2007 20:21:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209022George Brandow Charleston SC With all the press as of late the desensitizing of our country should be near complete and the forward action of a military fueled by government gluttony of income. Thank you Wal-Mart and our government bureaucrats. The next picture that will be displayed in the museums is the one depicting the invasion threw the bearing straits to our north now that is art ( Be afraid be very afraid )http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209051Wed, 30 May 2007 20:40:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209051Hua Cheng, Washington DCI really have a hard time seeing all these positive posts on China when they are doing so many political wrongs around the world. The number one supporter of Sudan's genocide weapon engine is China, North Korea is 95% funded by China and the Uranium going to Iran is funneled from China to Russia to Iran. I love art and I'm sure the artists don't support this aspect of the government, so time for these artists to step up and put their brushes where it counts. At least do it outside the boarders.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209124Wed, 30 May 2007 21:34:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209124chen phoenix azI never buy art. I create art by me for me. I do no particularly like anything someone has made for purchasing. To make commercial art is like trying to capture an emotion and bottling it for sale. When you open the bottle, a fleeting moment of joy may come over you; then the joy is gone and only the bottle remains. I sometimes do a piece for someone I know but I give it away. Now I have people wanting to buy my pieces but I have yet to give in. I already have a simple life that is rich with creativity. People who badger me to sell do not get far but if I like you, a present may show up when you least expect it in the mail or on your doorstep. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209152Wed, 30 May 2007 21:52:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209152John Miller, Wofford Heights, CaliforniaHere we go again sending our money overseas. As A proffesional artist I don't understand why Americans support other artist in countries but our own? Yes I have a collection of work from other countries. But at a time where all support has been stripped from art programs at home why support theirs? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209270Wed, 30 May 2007 23:45:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209270Barbara Holmes Diablo CaliforniaThe Chinese are not just copying Old Masters which may or may not be copyrighted but they are also copying modern day artists. No one seems to know or care. FREE TIBET. Has everyone forgotten? Or are we not allowed to care because the chinese have such lovely large pocket books and we need to kiss their ass because everything is made over there. Why doesn't anyone care that the chinese are not allowing any reporters in Tibet during the Olympics? Or that an american company Google, helped to design an internet for the chinese government that does not allow them to learn anything concerning human rights, the Dalai Lama or Tibet. It is all communist propoganda and Google has helped them. SHAME. Boycot the Olympics. www freetibet org http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209325Thu, 31 May 2007 01:00:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209325Alex Sull, Seoul, KoreaNoah, Japan has no reputation for conterfeit goods, while China does. This just reflects your cultural bias, and how you really know nothing of what goes on in the East. Stay in school kid.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209379Thu, 31 May 2007 02:57:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209379Irish Finn, Chicago, IllinoisAs difficult as it may be, as a consumer do what you can to boycott all goods produced in China. China is a communist ruled nation and there are few, if any, regulatory agencies or guidelines. Most of what is produced in China are either knock-offs or contain poison. To wit: the wheat gluten in the dog food sold in the USA and more recently, two brands of Chinese-made toothpastes were last week pulled from shelves in Panama after authorities discovered they contained potentially-fatal diethylene glycol. Diethylene glycol is commonly used as a cheap substitute for glycerine, and in this case apparently to prevent the poisonous and offending toothpastes from drying out. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209413Thu, 31 May 2007 04:33:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209413Jason Kang, Simsbury, ConnecitcutPersonally, as a fan of art, i would at least buy a piece or two of china's magnificent art (i already have 1 in my living room) but, in my experience, chinese is slightly notorious for digging your greens from your pockets. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209480Thu, 31 May 2007 12:06:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209480Kristin; Greenwood, Inits not about China. Its about Chinese art.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209483Thu, 31 May 2007 12:13:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209483bruce,Osaka JapanI have been buying Vietnamese Paintings since 94 from the same artist who also donates works to Operation Smile for their Art Auctions.I found out last year that as soon as a painting sold he personaly painted the same exact piece again!No Ethics only greed!! The artists name is Phat Huynh in Saigon.So, Bewarned.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#209907Thu, 31 May 2007 17:07:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:209907Gena"Chinese is slightly notorious for digging your greens from your pockets." Who are you talking about - the artist, the agent, the gallery from which you purchased the art, or everyone in the country? What specific experience do you have with being bilked? How many Chinese people do you know? And by the way, if you're actually from Connecticut, you should perhaps learn to spell the state correctly.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#211155Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:26:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211155SK, Boston, MAI didn't know there was so much animosity towards China; much less Chinese art. It's very easy to point the finger towards others but remember that when you're doing that you are also pointing three towards yourself. This article is about art in China. Let's just focus on that and quit trying to make everything so political.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#211601Sat, 02 Jun 2007 11:15:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211601Madhvi Etwaroo, Vacoas, MautitiusAn Art work is an Art work. No matter where it comes from the appreciation that counts. Very sorry to see that people are biased and dont value or have negative attitudes on Art works and even artists. I hope for a better future where people will be more cultured and will have great respect for Art works and Artists.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#211603Sat, 02 Jun 2007 11:19:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:211603Madhvi Etwaroo, Vacoas, MautitiusAn Art work is an Art work. No matter where it comes from the appreciation that counts. Very sorry to see that people are biased and dont value or have negative attitudes on Art works and even artists. I hope for a better future where people will be more cultured and will have great respect for Art works and Artists.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/05/29/206405.aspx#269139Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:46:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:269139zhang xiaogang minjungood chinese artists will be rare.....there are 500.000 millionaires in china and growing..they are starting to collect....chinese art is global..there is a scarcity....chinese art is still undervalued as compared to any other country.....  wait till the chinese stat to collect...!!  prices will double and tripple for the impt ones