Young Chinese collectors are becoming increasingly influential as buyers in the international art market, according to analysts and industry observers. Lin Han, 28, is among this new generation of collectors. He bought his first piece at a Sotheby’s auction in October 2013, an oil painting by the Chinese artist Zeng Fanzhi. He has since collected more than 200 pieces in various mediums by 70 international artists. Lin has also opened his own museum, M Woods, in the 798 Art Zone in Beijing. The museum, near internationally known galleries such as Pace Beijing and Galleria Continua, has a 2,500 square metre exhibiting space to house the art pieces he has bought at galleries, auctions and in private deals around the world. The inaugural exhibition at the museum began last October and a second is under way.
Q: You are well known as a young collector and as the child of a rich family. What do you make of these tags applied to you?
Yes, my parents are successful businesspeople so I was born into a wealthy family, that’s true. They sent me to Singapore for a secondary school education when I was 14. My father is very strict with me, while my mother is soft and nice. They want me to be independent and to be able to survive any difficulties on my own. I haven’t asked for any money from my parents since I was 18. Now I have founded my own business and it’s running profitably and is expanding. I would rather say that I am managing my life well and independently. As you can see, I am tough and purpose-driven.
Q: How did you start your art collection? What was the motivation?
My childhood training in painting, having the opportunities to watch stage performances, extensive reading, as well as my education and work experience in animation design, all contributed to make me an art lover. I studied animation design at Northumbria University in Britain and I become a professional designer before I founded my own public relations firm in 2009. I think the boundary between design and art is blurred. Many designers are artists themselves. My design experience is beneficial for me to understand and appreciate art. I read art history, especially the books written by the British art historian and theorist Ernst Gombrich. Now my public relations firm is working to market and promote international luxury brands in mainland China. It’s running very well and profitably, which allows me to invest in art.
Q: You have mobilised many international big names to support your private museum. How did you achieve that? Do you have a large social network?