New project on Chinoiserie and contemporary art to launch at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum

CHINESE CONTEMPORARY ART CHINOISERIE CONFERENCE

Originating in the 17th century to describe the Western fascination with Chinese art and design, the phenomenon of Chinoiserie will be the focus of a new three year project SINOPTICON: Contemporary Chinoiserie in Contemporary Art which opens with a symposium at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in early October this year.

 

Karen Tam, 'Genuine American Chop Suey Served With Some Hokey-Pokey!', 2006, paper, 33 x 33 cm. Image courtesy of SINOPTICON.

 

Project founders Eliza Gluckman and Gayle Chong Kwan will chair sessions, including a keynote speech by Beijing-based curator and writer Philip Tinari, alongside sessions featuring Ben Schmidt (University of Washington), Ying Kwok (Chinese Arts Centre, Manchester, UK), Glenn Adamson (V&A), Sarah Teasley (Royal College of Art, London) and artists Wu Chi-Tsung,  Ed Pien and Erika Tan. Each will set out the key themes of the project, identified as: politics and trade, authorship, interpretation and cultural misunderstanding, fantasy, escapism, fiction and design.

In the words of SINOPTICON, the project aims “to use the metaphor of Chinoiserie to expand the discourse of artistic exchange between the two sides of the globe”. As well as the symposium, Philip Tinari will write a series of critical articles for the SINOPTICON website. Major new works are to be commissioned, including a collaborative pavillion featuring Gayle Chong Kwan and Stephanie Douet in late 2010. Art residencies and a touring exhibition can also be expected as the project unfolds.

 

SINOPTICON is part-funded by Arts Council England and supported by the National Trust’s ‘Trust New Art’ programme. Places for the symposium are now fully booked but those interested can still contact Eliza Gluckman via the SINOPTICON website to receive updates on future events.

 

 

Erika Tan, 'Shot Through: Journey of Connections', 2008, DVD still. Image courtesy of SINOPTICON.

 

HG/KN/KCE

Related Topics: Chinese artists, conferences

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• Asia Art Forum 2010 meets growing demand for art collector education in China – Jing Daily – May 2010 – a forum held gathering collectors and curators of Chinese art
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Young Chinese Artists The Next Generation – book review

EMERGING ARTISTS CHINA BOOK REVIEW

A new book called Young Chinese Artists: The Next Generation was recently sent to us for review by the editors. We were a little concerned that this might be another ostensibly objective production, the real purpose of which is – yes, you guessed – the promotion of gallery artists.

Li Yu Liu Bo, She follows you and sleeps in your bed naked? Who is this lady?, 2006, C Print and Lightbox

We were, however, surprised and delighted to find that it is a book to roll around in, play with and draw inspiration from. At 300 pages long it provides an introduction to thirty artists (six of whom work as duos) born in mainland China between 1975 and 1981, roughly half a decade.

Click to buy

This era and time frame – unusually short for a survey – are two of the factors which make this book particularly engaging.

The p0st-’70s era was selected because it marks the end of the Cultural Revolution and artists born in this period are witness to China’s continuing frenetic social and political development: a rich source for artistic inspiration and expression.

But, perhaps just as significantly for the success of the book, these artists, born no later than the seventies, have had enough time to build a body of work large enough for in-depth assessment. At the same time many are sufficiently unknown to allow us a tantalising sense of discovery.

The short time period of 1975-1981 astutely recognises the velocity of change in China in the last thirty years: a shorter time-frame allows for a more rigorous and meaningful analysis of the themes preoccupying artists which are teased out in a series of essays by experts and writers.

The team of twenty writers and editors include influential figures such as Huang Du who was curator for the Chinese Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2003 and Philip Tinari who curated the selection of Hong Kong artists at the big-name Louis Vuitton show in Hong Kong 2009.

Xu Zhen, Fitness, 2007

Each artist is awarded one chapter which contains an interview, eight or so images, a listing of principal exhibitions and a one-page overview of the development of the artist’s work by one of the team of writers, usually written in a somewhat academic style. This is an extract from Philip Tinari’s essay ‘The Merry Prankster’ about Xu Zhen:

“Xu Zhen’s recent work has grown more light-hearted, if predicated on the notion of elaborate fictional scenarios. In one 2007 work Fitness he rigged exercise machines with remote control technology so that the viewer can get a virtual ‘workout’ by pressing buttons.”

Perhaps the least successful sections are the promising-sounding artist interviews where responses turn out to be  perfunctory. “Do you believe in true love?” “Yes”. Perhaps the fault lies in the skills of the interviewers who use closed-ended questions without follow up. But then again the snappy style was ubiquitous across the responses and could in fact be a telling reflection of the essential culture of this generation of artists: a time-starved, light-chat-as-snack culture propagated by the internet social media.

What we liked most was the sense that the editors had tried to reflect the real art scene as they experience it on the ground, even though their take may be viewed as controversial.

“In the past several years outside of China a number of contemporary art exhibitions featuring young Chinese artists showcased artistic forms such as video, multimedia and installation which gave the impression that painting was passe… while we have observed that the employment of these ‘new media’ is widespread (quite a few artists work in more than one discipline), painting is very much a driving force in the contemporary art scene.”

Find below more facts about the how the artists have been selected and their names.

Further criteria used for selection:

• representative of the generation – themes which reflect the mindset of the generation
• origins in mainland China – born and raised there
• the variety of media actually used by artists – while ” new media is widespread, painting is still a driving force in contemporary art scene”
• local/international exposure
• body of work showing discernable artistic development
• independence of thought and
• authenticity

No account was given of the market value of the works.

Artists are:

Birdhead, Cao Fei, Chen Ke, Chen Quilin, Chi Peng, Gong Jian, Han Yajuan, Li Hui, Li Jikai, Li Qing, Li Yu and Liu Bo, Liang Yue, Liu Ding, Liu Ren, Liu Weijian, Ma Yanhong, Qiu Xiaofei, Ta Men (THEY), Tang Maohong, Wang Guangle, Wei Jia, Wen Ling, Wu Junyong, Xu Zhen, Yang Yong, Zhang Ding, Zhou Jinhua.

To buy Young Chinese Artists: The Next Generation click here

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• Who are the emerging Generation Y artists from Asia? The New Museum selects – March 2009
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• New roles for art collectors on Second Life – interview Cao Fei – Jan 2009
• Emerging Chinese conceptual artists defies recession at Christies Hong Kong December 2008 – Dec 2008
• Top 5 books on Chinese art by specialist Pippa Dennis – Oct 2008

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Asia Art Forum brings exciting lecture series to Hong Kong

Asia Art Forum, an educational initiative, brings an exciting lecture series to Hong Kong May 2009 after a successful inaugural session in Shanghai in 2008.

YEE I-Lann Sulu Stories: The Landmark 2005 Digital print 61 x 183 cm

This time speakers with on the ground expertise will be flying into Hong Kong from around Asia providing an opportunity for a limited number of collectors, professionals and enthusiasts to learn directly about the latest developments in China, Japan and South-east Asian art. The 3 day event is scheduled May 8-10th taking place just prior to the Hong Kong art fair.

Art Radar Asia is supporting the event and one of our community, Jehan Chu, art advisor and columnist, will be speaking about collecting. Join us there.

Asia Art Forum Hong Kong – the announcement

Asia Art Forum Hong Kong is proud to announce a dynamic series of lectures on Asian Contemporary Art featuring respected members of the Asian contemporary art world. Focusing on the emergence and historical development of contemporary art from China, Japan and Southeast Asia, as well as issues pertaining to the Asian art market and the collection of art, the course provides a unique opportunity for anyone seeking an in depth understanding and knowledge of these emerging areas of art history.

Fostering direct encounters with leading members of the Asian contemporary art community, the program offers privileged access to first-hand information and invaluable insights into these developing areas of Asian art history.

The exclusivity of the Forum enables and encourages the exchange of ideas between guest lectures and participants providing a singular opportunity for art professionals, collectors and enthusiasts with an interest in these burgeoning regions currently driving a major transformation of the international art world.

The seminar will take place in Hong Kong over a three day period, 8-10 May. Limited places are available.

Asia Art Forum is an educational initiative in collaboration with Arthub, produced by Pippa Dennis, with consultation from Davide Quadrio and Defne Ayas. 15% of all profits will go to Arthub, a non-profit art and cultural organization which promotes contemporary art creation in China and the rest of Asia.

Asia Art Forum Hong Kong – the programme

China Art Now – Contemporary Art from China

Taking 1979 as the starting point, Philip Tinari will present a critical analysis of this dynamic and fast changing period of Chinese art history. The talk will move forward chronologically focusing on key movements, specific groups and significant exhibitions that form the backbone of the rise of contemporary Chinese art.
Beyond the Superflat – Contemporary Art from Japan

Japan’s art history is deeply embedded in traditional culture and yet absorbed the influences of western modernism and post modernism without losing its identity. The result is a unique artistic expression which has gone on to influcence artists in the west – and never more so than now with the advent of Manga, Anime and video games. This talk will examine the burgeoning contemporary art from this region, looking at why this previously undervalued art has recently captured the world’s attention creating fresh and exciting opportunities for Japan’s artists and art world.
Post Tension and Tradition – Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia

Some of the most interesting and unexpected triumphs at auction and art fairs over the last the last few years has been sparked by artists working in this region. Adeline Ooi will seek to unpick the rich and diverse art histories emerging from this area, focusing on key artists and movements.
The Asian Art Market

Jeremy Wingfield, Phillips de Pury’s China specialist, will be providing essential background and up to date information on the dynamic Asian Art Market. His candid approach will deliver invaluable insight into the current situation, with special focus on the fresh opportunities available to collectors, institutions and art professionals.

For more information Asia Art Forum website or email info@asiaartforum.com

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Meet Chinese art scene leading lights: new art course in Shanghai autumn 2008

COURSE CHINESE ART autumn 2008

Two newly developed courses on contemporary Chinese art covering its history, development, markets and latest trends are to be held this autumn in Shanghai.

Course 1: October 21 2008 8 weeks Tuesdays 7pm (for Shanghai residents)

Course 2: November 14-16 2008 3 days 10am – 4pm (for non-residents)

Presented by the Asia Art Forum and designed for art professionals, collectors and enthusiasts, lectures will be given in English by respected members of the contemporary Chinese art community. The lectures will be supplemented by private gallery visits and specially organised social events which will give participants opportunities for priviledged meetings with prominent gallerists, artists and critics.

Lecturers include Philip Tinari, an important writer curator and China advisor to Art Basel and renowned art critic Zhao Chuan who writes regularly for the international press and is author of Shanghai Abstract Story (2006).

For more information contact info@asiaartforum

Related:

• More on Asian art courses
• Latest Chinese contemporary art news

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