Works to Buy from Contemporary Asian Artists

Artsy Specialist
Oct 17, 2017 7:42AM

With the opening of the Guggenheim’s anticipated show of contemporary Chinese art and Ai Weiwei’s fences dotting New York City—all eyes are on Asia this month.

From neo-pop paintings by Takashi Murakami to pioneering video art by Nam June Paik, discover works by contemporary Asian artists at a range of prices. Plus, find more art to buy from Asia at the opening of ASIA NOW in Paris.

You can buy these artworks—or simply learn more about them—by messaging the representing galleries through Artsy. If you have any questions along the way, you can also contact our team of specialists at [email protected].


Zhang Dali

Recognized as the first ever Chinese graffiti artist, Zhang uses the country’s cultural history as the subject matter of his work.

Zhang Dali
Bamboo No.4, 2010
Pékin Fine Arts
Zhang Dali
Man and Woman on Bikes, 2010.05.31
Pékin Fine Arts
Zhang Dali
Demolition 39B, 1999
E-Moderne Gallerie


Takashi Murakami

Often called “the Warhol of Japan,” Takashi Murakami blends fine art and pop culture, using a signature style adapted from anime and manga cartoons.

Takashi Murakami
Jellyfish Eyes - Black 5, 2004
Nohra Haime Gallery
Takashi Murakami
Mr. Dob , edition: 250, 2017
Galerie C.O.A
Takashi Murakami
Such Cute Flowers, 2010
Nohra Haime Gallery


Zhang Xiaogang

The grim imaginary families depicted in his “bloodline” series show the complex narratives and struggles of China’s Cultural Revolution.

Zhang Xiaogang
Untitled (Boy), 2005
Burning in Water
Zhang Xiaogang
Blood Line Series-Boy, 2006
Pace Prints
Zhang Xiaogang
Untitled, 2005
Burning in Water


Ai Weiwei

Arguably one of the most important Chinese artists working today, the artist-activist is known for his provocative installations and performances.

Ai Weiwei
Fairytale - 1001 Charis 054 / Fairytale - 1001 Charis 065, 2007
Grob Gallery
Ai Weiwei
FREE SPEECH PENDANT, 2014
EHC Fine Art
Ai Weiwei
WANTED, 2014
Thomas French Fine Art


Nam June Paik

Considered the father of video art, Paik was a pioneer of the medium, using television sets in his sculptures, installations, and performances.

Nam June Paik
Untitled, 1973
Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd.
Nam June Paik
Portable God, 1989
James Cohan


Hiroshi Sugimoto

Sugimoto’s lush black-and-white photographs—taken on a 19th-century style camera—push the boundaries of the medium, showcasing the tonality and forms of his subjects.

Hiroshi Sugimoto
Time Exposed: #303 Atlantic Ocean, Newfoundland , 1991
inde/jacobs
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Lightning Fields 225, 2009
Fraenkel Gallery
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Rosecrans Drive-In, 1993
Fraenkel Gallery


Yayoi Kusama

It’s easy to get lost in the imaginative installations and dizzying artworks by the so-called polka dot princess.

Yayoi Kusama
Red Shoe, 1991
Barbara Mathes Gallery
Yayoi Kusama
Balloon Sculpture 19.6" Red & White
MSP Modern
Yayoi Kusama
Sprout, 1995
Sims Reed Gallery
Artsy Specialist