ART-TRIBUTE:28 Chinese Artists
28 Chinese is a springboard into the dynamic and varied landscape of contemporary Chinese art through the work of twenty-eight artists. The exhibition presents diverse art practices, mediums and conceptual concerns that reflect the myriad conversations ongoing in China’s art studios and galleries. While some of the artists look to their roots for inspiration, others look to today’s headlines. Some artists respond to their local surroundings, while others address the global landscape. The exhibition is organized by the Rubell Family Collection.
By Dimitris Lempesis
Photo: Asian Art Museum Archive
The Asian Art Museum’s special summer exhibition 28 Chinese offers glimpses of contemporary Chinese art through a group of 28 artists. These artists have made a significant impact on the art world and expanded definitions of contemporary art in China. The exhibition features 48 artworks, revealing powerful responses to China today, as well as perspectives and attitudes towards tradition.The exhibition is the culmination of more than a decade’s worth of exploration and research by art collectors Don and Mera Rubell. Between 2001 and 2012, the Rubells conducted six research trips to China, where they visited 100 artists’ studios in Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Xian. The Rubells acquired artworks from 28 artists in a multiplicity of mediums, from painting and installation to photography and new media. Organized by guest curator Allison Harding, the Asian Art Museum’s presentation is the first exhibition on the West Coast for many of these artists. A highlight of the exhibition is Zhu Jinshi’s monumental installation, Boat, which is 12 meters long, made from 8,000 sheets of paper commonly used in Chinese calligraphy and painting. Another highlight is the large-scale painting I am not ready… by Li Shurui from her “Light” series works that reproduce the look and feel of light in different environments, from arctic landscapes to nightclub, also in a screening room features a wide range of new video works, including Huang Ran’s Blithe Tragedy and Fang Lu’s Lovers Are Artists (Part One). The exhibition begins in the museum’s ground floor galleries and courts and continues in the China galleries on the second and third floors, where contemporary works can be seen alongside traditional art from the museum’s collection. Participating astists: Ai Weiwei, Chen Wei, Chen Zhou, Fang Lu, He Xiangyu, Huang Ran, Huang Yong Ping, Hu Qingyan, Hu Xiangqian, Lan Zhenghui, Li Ming, Li Ran, Li Shurui, Li Songsong, Liu Chuang, Liu Wei, Li Zhanyang, Qiu Zhijie, Shang Yixin, Wang Guangle, Wang Xingwei, Xie Molin, Xu Zhen, Yan Xing, Zhang Enli, Zhang Huan, Zhao Yao and Zhu Jinshi.
Info: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St, San Francisco, Curating: Allison Harding, Duration:5/6-26/8/15, Days & Hours: Tue-Wed, Fri-Sun: 10:00-17:00, Thu: 10:00-21:00, www.asianart.org
