Taipei – UBS proudly stands as the Lead Partner of Taipei Dangdai, unwavering in its commitment to fostering the growth of contemporary art in Taiwan. The fifth edition held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from 10-12 May 2024 (with a VIP Preview on 9 May), a spotlight on Taiwan’s enduring significance as a powerhouse in the global art scene.

The UBS Art Collection featured a captivating commissioned installation entitled Guarding Sunrise in Mind (2023) by the talented Indonesian artist Eko Nugroho. This extraordinary embroidered painting, a collaborative creation between the artist and local communities in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, captures the essence of Nugroho’s street art and symbolizes the uplifting message that ‘the sun will always rise.’ The vibrant and diverse colors exude optimism, with a series of dynamic figures flying towards the right, embodying a hopeful spirit. Nugroho’s distinctive visual language, blending humor with political themes and the aesthetics of street art and comics, promises to captivate and inspire.

Distinguished as one of the most eminent corporate collections of contemporary art globally, the UBS Art Collection encompasses over 30,000 paintings, works on paper, photographs, sculptures, videos, and installations. Across UBS offices worldwide, this collection showcases the works of emerging talents and established masters from the 1960s to the present. Notably, the Collection includes works by esteemed Taiwanese artists such as Chen Chieh-Jen, Chou Yu-Cheng, Huang Hai-Hsin, Ju Ming, Michael Lin, and Wu Chi-Tsung.

Elsa Chiu, President, Taiwan of UBS AG, Taipei Branch, expresses her pride as Lead Partner and celebrates the resurgence of Taipei Dangdai. The fair not only reflects Taiwan’s vibrant art scene but also brings together voices from local and international artistic communities. Chiu emphasizes the profound impact of contemporary art in inspiring individuals to envisage a brighter future. She underscores how artists like Eko provide a lens through which hope and enthusiasm are palpable, aligning with UBS’s core values of placing people at the forefront. Chiu also highlights the unifying role of culture, fostering understanding and creating connections that transcend boundaries.

The significance of Taipei Dangdai is further underscored in the recently published Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2024, authored by cultural economist Dr. Clare McAndrew of Arts Economics. The report emphasizes the preference of most High Net Worth (HNW) collectors for in-person art purchases, reinforcing the crucial role of Taipei Dangdai in facilitating cross-cultural engagement and connection.

Demonstrating expertise in the art market and High Net Worth (HNW) collector behaviors, UBS offers insights through The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2024, accessible for reading at ubs.com/collecting. In addition to Taipei Dangdai, UBS maintains partnerships with other leading art fairs in Asia, including Art Basel, ART SG, and West Bund Art & Design, cementing its pivotal role in nurturing the art scene in the region.

Installation view of the commissioned artwork by the UBS Art Collection in the UBS VIP Lounge at Taipei Dangdai 2024.Eko Nugroho, details of Guarding Sunrise in Mind, 2023, embroidered painting, variable dimensions, 13 parts. UBS Art Collection. © Eko Nugroho瑞銀典藏廳現場展出瑞銀藝術藏品委托作品。艾柯·努格羅荷，《養護心中的晨曦》（局部），2023年，刺繡畫，尺寸可變，十三件。瑞銀藝術藏品。

About the artist
Eko Nugroho
Born 1977, Indonesia; lives and works in Yogyakarta

Eko Nugroho, a truly remarkable contemporary artist hailing from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional artistic prowess. His work is a captivating fusion of a distinctive visual language, laced with a delightful sense of humor, seamlessly weaving together powerful political messages with the captivating aesthetics of street art, graffiti, and comics. Drawing inspiration from local traditions and crafts, Nugroho’s artistic repertoire spans across various mediums.

At the heart of his extensive body of work lies his background in street art and community-based projects. From mesmerizing paintings, intricate drawings, and exquisite embroideries to striking murals, captivating sculptures, and compelling videos, Nugroho’s creations are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of local traditions as well as the vibrant urban landscape. His iconic visual vocabulary skillfully intertwines thought-provoking political messages with the compelling aesthetics of street art, graffiti, and comics.

Nugroho’s invaluable contributions to the art world have been recognized and celebrated by major international institutions, including Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Singapore Art Museum, Musée des Beaux-arts de Lyon, M+ Museum of Visual Culture (Hong Kong), Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (Brisbane), and Asia Society Museum (New York).

About UBS & Contemporary Art

Global Lead Partner of Art Basel, UBS has a long history of supporting contemporary art and artists. The firm has one of the world’s most important corporate art collections. UBS seeks to advance the international conversation about the art market through its global lead partnership with Art Basel, and as co-publisher of the ‘Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report’ and the ‘Art Basel and UBS Survey of Global Collecting’. UBS also supports some of the world’s most important arts institutions, events, and fairs. Through UBS Art Advisory & Collecting, UBS provides UHNW clients and their family offices impartial advice and execution services across the whole lifecycle of a collection, from strategic development and governance to making an impact through cultural philanthropy and the transition of collections into the next generation.

About UBS Art Collection

The UBS Art Collection is considered one of the most important corporate collections of contemporary art in the world. It currently includes more than 30,000 paintings, works on paper, photographs, sculptures, videos, and installations. Most of these works are displayed in UBS offices globally, serving as an inspiration for employees and a platform for dialogue with clients and the public.  

About UBS

UBS is a leading and truly global wealth manager and the leading universal bank in Switzerland. It also provides diversified asset management solutions and focused investment banking capabilities. With the acquisition of Credit Suisse, UBS manages 5.7 trillion dollars of invested assets as per fourth quarter 2023. UBS helps clients achieve their financial goals through personalized advice, solutions and products. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the firm is operating in more than 50 markets around the globe. UBS Group shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).