Just received a copy of LEAP, a new bilingual art magazine about contemporary art in China. Due to its thickness and format, I initially thought it was an auction catalogue! But it’s actually very serious reading for anyone who wants to know what’s happening on the ground. Its chief editor is curator Phil Tinari, who is well known in Chinese art circles. I had a coffee with Phil at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong last year when he curated an exhibition on Hong Kong artists for Louis Vuitton’s A Passion for Creation exhibition, and he's been closely observing the Chinese art scene for several years. At 232 pages, LEAP is a bit on the heavy size, and the bilingual layout can be a bit confusing. But some of the articles are very interesting and well written (at least the English version) by art experts on the ground, like Karen Smith. The magazine has very little ads (a big plus, long may it continue!). I especially like its review section, which covers exhibitions in Greater China, or Chinese artists having show internationally. There is also section which translate in English the best bit of china’s art world bulletin board art-ba-ba (great idea!). The first bi-monthly issue has an interview with ShContemporary director Colin Chinnery and a review of the last 10 years in Chinese arts through the eyes of various art scene players. Good luck, guys!
