Ruoyi “Emily” Feng is no ordinary art consultant. Her name echoes across the halls of prestigious art institutions, elite auctions, and global art festivals, and into the hearts of art enthusiasts around the world. With a distinguished career spanning the breadth of the globe, from the venerable National Museum of China to Sotheby’s in New York, Feng has proven herself to be a figure of extraordinary ability, bridging the East and the West through the universal language of art.
Ruoyi Feng arrived in the United States at the age of 15, Feng embarked on an educational journey that would shape her career and her contributions to the global art community.
Feng’s formal education in the arts began at the Parsons School of Design in New York, one of the most prestigious art and design universities in the world. As an undergraduate in the Fine Arts program, a discipline that allowed her to delve into the core principles of artistic creation and expression. Her education at Parsons provided her with a strong foundation in understanding visual arts, allowing her to analyze, appreciate, and critique art from an informed perspective. However, her education was far from over. Recognizing the importance of understanding the business aspect of the art world, Feng pursued a master’s degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She specialized in Art Business, a program that bridges the gap between art and commerce. It was during this time that she developed a keen understanding of art markets, auctions, galleries, and art law, among other facets of the industry. The knowledge and skills she acquired during her graduate studies allowed her to navigate the complex and often the challenging business side of the art world.
The blend of her artistic background and business acumen naturally led her toward a career in art consultancy. Her comprehensive understanding of both sides of the industry allowed her to serve as a bridge between artists and collectors, galleries, and investors. This unique skill set made her an invaluable asset to her clients, able to guide them through the intricacies of the art market while also offering informed artistic insights.
Feng’s early arrival in the United States and her diverse educational experiences undoubtedly shaped her unique perspective on art and business. The multicultural setting she found herself in not only nurtured her appreciation for diverse artistic expressions but also helped her understand the nuances of different cultural contexts. It is this perspective that has proven to be a key driver in her success as an art consultant. However, her journey, which started at the age of 15, is a testament that Feng’s story is not merely one of professional achievement. It is also a tale of personal growth, adaptability, resilience, and, most importantly, a lifelong dedication to the pursuit of art in its many forms. With such a diverse background and wealth of experience, her dedication to fostering dialogue and understanding between the Eastern and Western art markets contributes to her status as a trailblazer in her field.
Feng journey started in China, where she honed her craft at the National Museum of China in Beijing. As one of the world’s largest and most influential art and history museums, it serves as the custodian of over a million items reflecting the rich tapestry of Chinese history. During her tenure, Feng’s expertise greatly contributed to the curation and preservation of the museum’s illustrious collection. Her work there serves as a testament to her deep understanding of Chinese art and culture, setting a solid foundation for her career trajectory.
When the opportunity came for Feng to broaden her horizons, she took a leap of faith, transitioning her career to the United States, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for art. Her exceptional work at the Asia Arts Festival had caught the attention of Katrina Crawford, the AVP and Head of Bids & Client Services at Sotheby’s, who personally invited Feng to join their New York team. Her move to Sotheby’s signified her remarkable ascension in the art world.
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Feng working at Sotheby’s The New York Sale, 2022
Her time at Sotheby’s was marked by multiple high-profile events such as The New York Sale 2022, Luxury Sale 2022, Classic Week 2023, and the NFT Sale 2022&2023, to name a few. Feng’s role, however, extended far beyond her administrative duties. Her ability to handle complex tasks while maintaining a high standard of excellence showcased her adeptness and reliability. Her influence in the industry is significant and her exceptional skills undeniably set her apart from her contemporaries. In a testament to her standing within the international art community, Feng has received VIP invitations to prestigious events from acclaimed galleries such as Perrotin, Gagosian, Half Gallery, and Derek Eller. She has also been a prominent participant in high-profile events like the W x Burberry Magazine Event and the Institute of Contemporary Art Collector Event.rt Collector Event, among others, underscored her influence and respect in the art world.
Frieze Art Fair New York, 2023
Her impact was also noted by top-tier Chinese media outlets, such as Sina.com, Toutiao.com, and XSSS Magazine, which recognized her extraordinary abilities and achievements. In a series of exclusive interviews, these platforms shared her inspiring journey from China to the US, painting a portrait of Feng as a force in the art industry. Beyond her primary role as an art consultant, Feng has been instrumental in building connections and fostering relationships between artists, collectors, galleries, and organizations. She has been particularly effective in developing and enhancing a dialogue between Chinese and Western art markets, establishing pathways for cultural exchange and appreciation.
To further her mission, Feng launched a U.S.-based art website, providing a platform for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to come together and interact. This platform encourages the sharing of insights, discussions on emerging trends, and collaborations between East and West, embodying Feng’s vision of a truly global art community.
Feng represented her client/collector attened Sotheby’s The New York Sale, 2023
In addition, Feng has shown a remarkable knack for synergistic collaborations within the art world. An example is her collaboration with Maxv on a unique wine and artist co-branding project. This venture demonstrated her creative thinking and resourcefulness, pushing boundaries and blurring the lines between art, commerce, and culture.
Feng’s contributions to the art world haven’t gone unnoticed. Industry leaders and peers alike have recognized her for her innovative approach to art consultancy, her vision for cultural exchange, and her tireless efforts to bring Eastern and Western art together. It’s not just her professional acumen that sets her apart, but her dedication to fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and interconnected global art scene. Her extraordinary abilities, creativity, and relentless drive make her a force to be reckoned with in the industry. But perhaps more importantly, her work serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who believe in the transformative power of art and its capacity to bridge cultural divides.
As we watch Feng’s career continue to unfold, there’s no doubt that her contributions will shape the trajectory of the art world for years to come. With each new project and initiative, she continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, cementing her place as a true pioneer in her field.
In a world where the appreciation of art has become a universal language, Feng stands as an interpreter, fluent in the dialects of both the East and the West. Through her remarkable career, she has shown that art is more than just beautiful objects—it is a medium of connection, a bridge between cultures, and a dialogue between different worlds. It is this vision that drives Feng forward and will continue to inspire her work for years to come.
