China’s ‘art factory’ painters turn from fakes to originals
Painters in Dafen, China, known for making replicas of Western masterpieces, are now selling their own original artwork in China’s booming domestic art market. While exports have dipped, artists have used the obstacles as an opportunity to establish themselves in China’s art market, which is the second-largest in the world.
Many artists have moved away from imitation and towards creating original pieces, with some artists attending school to learn traditional Chinese painting techniques to cater to wealthy Chinese buyers looking for a “Chinese aesthetic.”
