Liu Ying Mei Bio_EN

Liu Ying Mei Born in Shandong (China), Liu Ying Mei took special interest in the arts, literature and philosophy from a young age. After graduating with a subject in Economics, Ying Mei continued her studies in Germany and travelled through the rest of Europe where she eagerly sought out museums and art galleries housing artworks she had read about and loved in European art history books. In particular, the Venice Biennale of 1999 struck her with awe for showcasing installations by Chen Zhen and Cai Guo Qiang. She was deeply moved by and enamoured with their contemplation of Chinese philosophy, things she holds dear to her heart, and their application to contemporary art sensibilities. This experience left a big impact on her and shaped her aspirations to work in the arts. She saw the immense potential artworks had in helping people around the globe understand each other, and feverishly wanted to immerse herself in these endless possibilities.

Following her passion, Ying Mei started working in Beijing as an art research assistant, eventually moving on to curate and organise art exhibitions and cultural exchange art shows. She worked with internationally renowned artists like Joerg Immendorff and Anthony Gormley in the prestigious National Museum of China and China Art Museum among other art spaces, and worked with the British council, Japan Foundation and German Institutions. Ying Mei had the honour of hosting a private visit for a show from the former Prime Minister of UK, Tony Blair, and even worked with the French Pavilion in Shanghai Expo 2010, showcasing Paris-based Chinese artists like Chen Zhen, which was visited by the French President at the time, Nicolas Sarkozy. Her avid passion for the arts urged her to open an art gallery in Shanghai in 2007, where she had the pleasure of showcasing young and established Chinese and international artists. Ying Mei also became a highly experienced art advisor, possessing a talent in helping important collectors add iconic and highly sought-after art pieces to their collection. Always seeking to develop her understanding and expand her horizons about the art world, Ying Mei moved to Singapore in 2012 to discover and learn about the Southeast Asian Art scene. With her passion for the arts only growing, she visited artist studios, art fairs and art galleries in countries like Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Manila, at times collecting inspiring artworks for herself. It occurred to Ying Mei that she had an opportunity to realise her lifelong dream in bringing upcoming and established Southeast Asian artists to the global stage the same way she had promoted international artists across Asia. Viewing an empty space with high ceilings and large columns in May 2021, Liu visualised a space that could maximise the potentials of both local and international artists. Thus, in January of 2022, 39+ Art Space opened its doors to guests for the first time.

39 Keppel Road, #03-01 Tanjong Pagar Distripark Singapore 089065 Tuesday - Friday: 11–7pm; Saturday & Sunday: 12–6pm By appointment only: Monday & Public Holidays Email: [email protected] Phone/WhatsApp: +65 9776 0403