Downtown San Jose welcomed a new cultural gem with the opening of the Silicon Valley Asian Art Center at 150 East Santa Clara Street on October 17. The midday ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, Assemblymember Ash Kalra, representatives from the San Jose Downtown Association, and owner Jianhua Shu. This event marked the expansion of the center from its original Santa Clara location, established in 2004, which has long showcased modern and ancient artworks. The new space shifts emphasis to contemporary and digital arts, enriching the city's artistic offerings.
The opening coincided with the reception for Zheng Chongbin: The Field of Shui Mo, an exhibition displaying 16 works by the acclaimed artist, including paintings, videos, and monoprints. The highlight, Chimeric Landscape from 2012, measures 180 by 720 centimeters across multiple panels and appeared in the United States for the first time. Zheng Chongbin attended the event and shared insights into his creations, drawing attendees into a world of innovative expression that blends traditional techniques with modern forms.
Founder Jianhua Shu brings extensive experience to the venture, having served as an art advisor, co-curator, and former editor and producer with a portfolio of over 70 books and more than 100 exhibitions. Since its inception, the Santa Clara center has hosted over 200 shows, promoting Chinese American art globally and collaborating with major museums in China. This background fuels the new location's mission to foster cultural exchange through displays of Asian and international artists.
Visitors to the Downtown San Jose gallery can anticipate programming that encourages dialogue between cultures and makes art approachable for locals and professionals alike. Downtown's central role in Silicon Valley, where technology meets diverse communities, provides an ideal setting for such a space. The center aims to enhance the area's cultural vitality and accessibility.
