Interview with Leilei CHEN: “Galleries are no longer just exhibition spaces, but become cultural hubs that encourage dialogue and active involvement”


Leilei Chen is a visual artist and cultural entrepreneur. She studied painting at the National University of Arts in Bucharest, after a similar experience in China. In 2020, she opened an exhibition space in Bucharest to promote the cultural dialogue between the two scenes of contemporary art, European and Asian.
To date, she has organized 14 art exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and photography to installations and performances. At the same time, LeiLei Gallery hosted the first exhibition of NFTs in Romania entitled “This will age really well”.

When did you feel that you were meant to be an artist?

More or less, everyone carries or has carried in the depths of his soul the dream of being an artist. However, when problems start to arise, many abandon this idea. Although some people might say, and rightly so, that being an artist is about destiny, about an unseen force that pushes you towards creation, I believe that it is, at the same time, a personal choice. To create, you need action, consistency. That’s why, at 30 years old, I chose to take the first step and fulfill my childhood dream.

You studied in China and later in Romania at the Bucharest National University of Arts. How different were the two academic experiences?

China’s art education system has long been under the influence of the former Soviet Union, with a greater emphasis on fundamentals and technique. In Romania, I feel that the educational philosophy is in sync with the rest of the world. It is more open, more avant-garde and focuses more on the development of the artist’s personality, helping him find his own style and artistic identity. The two educational systems help me approach art from a broader perspective and diversify my artistic knowledge and experiences. Both contributed to my formation as an artist and gave me a valuable view of art in the global context.

How would you describe your art and how important is it to convey a message?

An artist’s work is a reflection of himself, therefore my art is an honest expression of my inner world, which I have the chance to communicate using visual means. Art is not just an aesthetic exercise, art is meant to provoke, to spark dialogues, be they positive or negative. Its very beauty lies in the fact that everyone has the freedom to interpret it differently, to react to it differently. As long as a work makes you think or feel something, the artist’s mission has been accomplished.

During the pandemic, you opened an exhibition space in Bucharest to promote the cultural dialogue between the two scenes of contemporary art, European and Asian. What was the context in which this project took shape? Did it happen spontaneously or was it a long considered decision?

I thought for a long time about this project and the importance of such a space in Romania. I wanted to create a place where not only dialogue is promoted, but where there is an exchange of experiences, ideas and visions that is beneficial and from which both scenes can learn. In 2019 I already had the plan to open this space and with this plan I decided to go ahead, although the timing and conditions were not perfect. Nevertheless, we managed to have a successful first opening. That is why I think that once you set your mind on something, it is very important to do it as quickly as possible. The perfect moment is an illusion.

What are the most fascinating or challenging aspects of your day-to-day work as a visual artist and cultural entrepreneur?

In the continuous process of exploration, I discovered that these two identities are not mutually exclusive, that the relationship between art and people is complex and constantly changing, that different identities and perspectives offer the possibility to see more comprehensively and allow me to approach this relationship from multiple points of view. At work, at an exhibition, from the conception of the idea to its materialization, from the arrangement of the exhibition to the final presentation in front of the public, it is not an easy one. Each exhibition challenges us to approach the relationship between the work and the exhibition space in a new way, so that we can present the work in the best possible form. This process is challenging, but the final moment, when the work is exhibited in front of the public, is, from my point of view, the most satisfying!

Soon it will be 2 years since you have been active on the Romanian art scene, during which you have developed numerous projects in the field of visual arts. How would you describe the entire course?

Since the opening in August 2020 until now, we have organized 14 art exhibitions, in which we have always tried to include as many styles, techniques and artistic visions as possible, from painting, sculpture and photography to installations and performances. When I reflect on our journey, I liken it to the journey of a man making his way in the world. In the beginning, I was like a child just learning to walk, taking the first shy steps in organizing these projects. But with each new exhibition, I have gained knowledge and experience, becoming more and more aware of the complexity and challenges of this field. And we continue to learn every day, both from the obstacles we encounter and from the talented artists we have been privileged to collaborate with.

You organized the first exhibition of NFTs in Romania entitled “This will age really well”, in July 2021. How were the projects carried out received by the artistic community in Romania? What about the public interested in beauty and creativity?

It was a completely new concept for us, for Romania, for the whole world. I did not know how neither the artistic community nor the public would react to this project. What we knew, instead, is that this phenomenon should not be ignored, which is why we decided that we had to implement this project despite the reactions that could have been divided. And we are glad we did it, because the reactions have been mostly positive. In addition, we offered the public the opportunity to be an active participant in the NFT phenomenon: artists presented their works in both physical and NFT form, and the first visitors received a free NFT work.

How do you feel about the art market/scene right now? How much has it evolved since 2020 – the moment when you started a series of exhibition projects – until today?

In a world where the art market is becoming more transparent and technology facilitates direct connection between artists and the public, I believe that the traditional art gallery model is redefining its role and relevance. Galleries are no longer just exhibition spaces, but become cultural hubs that encourage dialogue and the active involvement of artists, collectors and viewers in the artistic process.

We live in a society that emphasizes production, consumption, profit and success. To what extent does the selection process of the artists from the LeiLei Gallery’s portfolio or the exhibited works influence you?

LeiLei Gallery is my soul project, made out of love for art and creation. In all the exhibitions so far, I have not taken into account the personal gain, that is not important to me. Instead, I want this space to be a platform for expression and promotion for the outstanding artists we have worked with or will work with.

You personally handle the selection of works. Do you only display the pieces you like?

I like to get involved in curating and organizing exhibitions. For me, a gallery is a place of artistic exploration, experimentation and display of various art forms, and my desire is to present a diverse range of works in this space. A professional gallerist does not decide which works to exhibit based on his own preferences.

What is the relationship with the artists you promote? Do you visit them at the studio? Do you share your views on their working style, artistic approach?

Collaboration between galleries and artists is essential, a relationship of trust and mutual support is needed for both parties to grow and progress together. I often visit artists’ studios, the place where a work begins its life and where I can witness the creative process. It is a particularly satisfying experience to see and understand the effort and passion behind the works. I believe that artists should maintain their uniqueness and always feed their passion for creation, as this is the true essence of art.

You recently participated in the contemporary art fair RAD. How would you describe this experience?

It was a unique experience, but also an adventure. An adventure in which I entered with friends and from which I learned many things both about the world of art collectors and about our colleagues. The Romanian scene needed an event like RAD, to help galleries and artists make their voices heard, but also to strengthen relations between galleries and collectors.

What exhibition can be visited at the moment on the gallery of LeiLei Gallery?

We have just completed the solo exhibition JOISTENLAND of the French artist Bernard Joisten and are now preparing a group exhibition with a number of very talented Romanian artists. Opening soon, keep an eye on the gallery’s social platforms!

What do the next 5 years look like for LeiLei Gallery?

I am not a fan of predictions, I prefer to deal with the things I want to do in the moment. All I can say is that I hope we continue our mission of being a promotion platform for artists and that we will continue to evolve and grow in the art world, facilitate artistic dialogue and adapt to the changes and challenges that arise in the artistic universe , as well as offering an engaging experience for art lovers.

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