Chinese Contemporary Art 1979-2003: From Marginalization to International Recognition
This summary details the progression of contemporary art in China from the late 1970s through 2003, highlighting its shift from underground scenes to global acclaim. In September 1979, the Stars group, spearheaded by Ma Desheng and Wang Keping, organized an unsanctioned exhibition in Beijing. The New Wave of 1985 featured collectives such as Xiamen Dada (Huang Yongping) and Pool Society (Zhang Peili, Geng Jianyi). The China/Avant-Garde show in February 1989 was abruptly halted due to a gunshot incident involving Xiao Lu. Following 1989, movements like Cynical Realism (Fang Lijun) and Political Pop surfaced. Significant exhibitions included China's New Art in Hong Kong (1993) and the 48th Venice Biennale (1999). The Shanghai Biennale in 2000 signified official acknowledgment, while the 'Fuck Off' exhibition critiqued commercialization. By 2003, the emergence of new biennials in various cities enhanced visibility.
Key facts
- The Stars group exhibited on the gates of a park next to the National Gallery of Fine Arts in Beijing in September 1979.
- The 1985 New Wave included groups like Xiamen Dada, Pool Society, and Northern Art Group.
- China/Avant-Garde exhibition at the National Gallery in February 1989 was closed after a performance by Xiao Lu.
- Post-1989 movements include Cynical Realism (Fang Lijun), Political Pop, and Kitsch.
- Artist villages formed in Yuanmingyuan (early 1990s) and later Tongxian (mid-1990s).
- International exhibitions: China's New Art, Post-1989 in Hong Kong (1993) and China Avant-Garde in Berlin (1993).
- 48th Venice Biennale (1999) featured twenty Chinese artists, curated by Harald Szeemann.
- Foreign galleries: Red Gate, CourtYard, China Art Archives and Warehouse in Beijing; Shanghart in Shanghai.
- Uli Sigg, former Swiss ambassador, created a collection of Chinese contemporary art.
- 2000 Shanghai Biennale marked official recognition of Chinese contemporary art.
- Alternative exhibition 'Fuck Off' was held concurrently with the 2000 Shanghai Biennale.
- New biennials in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xi'an, and Qingdao by 2003.
Entities
Artists
- Ma Desheng
- Wang Keping
- Huang Yongping
- Zhang Peili
- Geng Jianyi
- Wang Guangyi
- Xiao Lu
- Fang Lijun
- Ma Liuming
- Zhang Huan
- Zhan Wang
- Feng Boyi
- Leng Lin
- Li Xianting
- Harald Szeemann
- Uli Sigg
- Marion Bertagna
- Pan Shiyi
Institutions
- National Gallery of Fine Arts of Beijing
- Xiamen Dada
- Pool Society (Chi She)
- Northern Art Group (Beifang Yishu Qunti)
- Academy of Social Sciences
- National Association of Artists
- Central Academy of Fine Arts
- Red Gate Gallery
- CourtYard Gallery
- China Art Archives and Warehouse
- Shanghart Gallery
- Upriver Gallery
- Soho China
- Shanghai Biennale
- Venice Biennale
- Biennale of São Paulo
- art press
Locations
- Beijing
- China
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
- Berlin
- Venice
- Chengdu
- Guangzhou
- Xi'an
- Qingdao
- Yuanmingyuan
- Tongxian
- Hangzhou
- Paris
- Switzerland
Sources
- artpress —