Chen Zhen's 'Short-circuits' Exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca Features Dialogue with Maurizio Cattelan
The exhibition titled 'Short-circuits' showcases the work of Chinese-French artist Chen Zhen (1955–2000) at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan until 6 June. Among the featured works is 'Daily Incantations' from 1996, which consists of 101 chamber pots arranged on a semicircular wooden frame. Maurizio Cattelan explores Chen Zhen's perspectives on migration and cultural translation. Chen reflects on his experiences in Paris during the 1980s, introduces his idea of 'Transexperiences,' and recalls a 1993 discussion with Pontus Hultén regarding 'eternal misunderstanding' in East-West interactions. He elaborates on the Chinese notion of 'jie' and likens artists to viruses that challenge dominant culture, while also describing transformative moments during China's Cultural Revolution and in Paris as a 'short circuit.'
Key facts
- Chen Zhen's exhibition 'Short-circuits' is on view at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan through 6 June
- The show includes the 1996 work 'Daily Incantations' featuring 101 chamber pots
- Maurizio Cattelan conducted a posthumous dialogue with Chen Zhen, who died in 2000
- Chen Zhen moved from Shanghai to Paris in the 1980s, living simply and drawing portraits for income
- He developed the concept of 'Transexperiences' to describe cross-cultural life experiences
- A 1993 conversation with Pontus Hultén about 'eternal misunderstanding' influenced his work
- Chen Zhen discusses the Chinese concept 'jie' (borrow) as a creative disruptive force
- He compares artists to viruses that challenge mainstream culture and foster multicultural exchange
Entities
Artists
- Chen Zhen
- Maurizio Cattelan
- Pontus Hultén
Institutions
- Pirelli HangarBicocca
- ArtReview
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Shanghai
- China
- South Korea