A contemporary revival

Chen, who graduated from Wuhan University, one of modern China's first national universities with a history of 124 years, has also donated dozens of contemporary Chinese works to the museum.

And Taikang Space, a Beijing-based institution affiliated with his group, helps organize at least one exhibition at the museum a year.

Works at the current exhibition are on loan from featured artists and the Taikang Group's collection.

Ying Weiwei, a member of Taikang Group's corporate management committee, says many first-class universities worldwide have at least one good art museum in campus. So, there's no reason that a top Chinese school like Wuhan University - which is expected to grow into a world-class institution in the future - shouldn't have one.

He says Wanlin museum has received hundreds of thousands of visitors since it opened.

"College students are among those who benefit the most from it. It serves as a means of artistic nourishment that completes their educations."

Yuan says an even stronger market is needed to further develop Hubei's art ecology.

Most local collectors still prefer traditional ink pieces, but an emerging set of young collectors are showing discerning and diversified tastes, he adds.

"I know a collector who was born in the 1970s, who has bought about 20 video works," he says.

"He goes to art fairs and expositions in Beijing and Shanghai. He's on good terms with many artists. He has insight and ambition."

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn