This summer, we’re excited to spotlight Muhang Ma (ARAD ’25) and celebrate her recent internship with the Chinese Painting Department at Sungari Auction in Beijing, China. Sungari Auction plays a key role in the secondary art market, offering Muhang invaluable experience in understanding how auctions are organized, from sourcing and evaluating artwork to facilitating sales.
Let’s dive into Muhang’s experience and the incredible work she contributed during her time at Sungari Auction!
Could you provide an overview of your current internship and the organization you are working with?
This past summer, I interned in the Chinese Painting Department at Sungari Auction 中贸圣佳, in Beijing, China. Working there was a valuable experience that deepened my understanding of the secondary art market. It allowed me to witness firsthand how auctions are organized, from sourcing and evaluating artwork to marketing and facilitating sales. I was fortunate to take on a dynamic role, primarily assisting the department’s head with both full-house operations and other management tasks.
What does a typical day look like during your internship?
Each day, I assist with research and documentation, offer information for media/press interviews and live streams, present each artwork lot—highlighting its history, provenance, and techniques—to clients during previews, and oversee reception duties along with full-house operations and management tasks during client visits.
Were there any key projects or assignments during the internship?
My internship began with the Spring Auction, one of the major auction events of the year. A key assignment was assisting in the presentation of artwork—highlighting its history, provenance, and techniques—during previews. This required a deep understanding of each piece, the artist, and its history, providing me with valuable learning opportunities.
Based on your experience, what guidance would you offer our students seeking internships in the related organization?
For students pursuing internships in the art market, especially at auction houses or galleries, I recommend being proactive and open to various roles. Embrace diverse tasks to broaden your knowledge and showcase versatility. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, as their insights can be invaluable in shaping your career path and opening doors to new opportunities.
How has this internship shaped your understanding of the art industry, and what skills have you found most valuable?
I’ve gained firsthand experience in the auction process, from the curation of artwork to client interactions, helping me appreciate the complexities of pricing, provenance, and market trends. Understanding the importance of relationships between galleries, collectors, and auction houses has also been eye-opening.
The most valuable skills I’ve acquired include effective communication, both in explaining the historical and artistic context of artworks to clients and handling media inquiries. Additionally, multitasking has been essential in the fast-paced art market.
About Muhang Ma (ARAD ’25)
Muhang Ma graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2023 with double majors in Economics and History and Cinema and Media Arts. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong interest in film and cinematography, exploring visual storytelling and the technical aspects of filmmaking. This passion allowed her to delve into camera work, lighting, and editing, fueling her creative growth.
Beyond the classroom, she further explored her passion for visual arts, particularly the art market, and has been collecting contemporary artwork. She is also deeply interested in Chinese paintings and Buddhist sculptures, drawn to their historical and cultural significance. Additionally, she is passionate about the issue of the repatriation of cultural relics, recognizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and advocating for the return of these artifacts to their countries of origin. Her past internships include roles at Eli Klein Gallery, BlueFocus, and Yangting Drama Studio, among others.
Arts Administration 
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