Online art auction marks another first (hktdc.com)


	Atting House founders Jai Waney (left) and Johnson Chang believe their online auction site offers a unique service to art collectors worldwide

The phenomenal rise of Hong Kong as a fine arts trading centre has prompted the launch of Atting House, the city's first auction house specialising in Asian contemporary art.

In another first, Atting House introduces the concept of an entirely internet-based, online auction environment.

Atting House is the brainchild of Jai Waney, a prominent Hong Kong-based art collector and businessman, and Chinese contemporary art expert Johnson Chang. Mr Waney, born in Bombay, is famous for creating the ultra chic Zuma and Roka fine Japanese dining brands in Hong Kong and most recently, at the Venetian in Macau. Mr Chang, who founded Hong Kong's highly regarded Hanart TZ Gallery, has played a key role in establishing the international reputation of several of China's leading contemporary artists including the celebrated Zhang Xiaogang.

Launching in November, Atting House plans to mount at least four major art auctions per year in conjunction with an exhibition. Each will feature over 100 works of art selected by expert fine art curators, ensuring that the buyers are choosing from a genuine collection of original works of high quality.

Debut sale

The debut auction and exhibition is comprised of 134 lots from over 66 up and coming Chinese mainland contemporary artists. The works will be on display to the public at the Four Directions of the New Era exhibition, on show from October 31 to November 30 at Atting House's 10,000 sq ft exhibition space in Hong Kong. The live online auction will be held over 48 hours between November 21 and 22.

Mr Waney said Atting House offers a unique service to collectors.

"The online environment allows them to take part in a live auction without having to be physically present," he said. "Often the best works in a gallery are pre-sold before they go on exhibition, so with Atting House we are offering everyone a fair opportunity to bid for the pieces they like.

"The fact that the exhibition is curated also means that an expert has already pre-selected quality works, which takes out much of the random element that can be a consideration when buying art."

Mr Wayney said that with its proximity and access to the mainland, Hong Kong is a stepping stone for up and coming Chinese contemporary artists, ensuring a reliable supply.

Emerging artists

Mr Chang added that Atting House also has an important role to play in making Chinese artists better known to the outside world.

"The marketplace for contemporary art is often slow to recognise critical trends, so by presenting artworks that have been selected by critics, Atting House can help collectors to get ahead of the market," he said.