Rui Wu's Pandemic Journey Between China and Italy
Rui Wu, a Chinese curator and photographer born in 1991 and residing in Milan, recounts his experiences during COVID-19 in two nations. He is a graduate of Brera Academy and currently teaches New Media at Bauer photography school. In 2015, he worked at PAC in Milan and partnered with Yangjiang Group at MAXXI in Rome. He also co-founded T-space, which supports emerging artists. He traveled back to Beijing for Chinese New Year in late January, just as the outbreak escalated, witnessing Wuhan's lockdown on January 23. British Airways ceased flights on January 29, followed by Italy on January 31. After rescheduling his flight, he underwent temperature checks in Beijing and self-isolated upon returning to Milan. He criticizes Italian leadership and highlights varying social awareness. Exhibitions at T-space are currently suspended.
Key facts
- Rui Wu is a Chinese curator and photographer born in 1991, residing in Milan.
- He graduated from Brera Academy of Fine Arts and teaches at Bauer photography school.
- He worked at PAC – Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea in Milan in 2015.
- He co-founded T-space, an independent studio and exhibition space.
- He returned to Beijing on January 23, 2020, the day Wuhan was locked down.
- British Airways suspended flights on January 29; Italy suspended flights on January 31.
- His return flight was rebooked via Amsterdam; temperature checks were conducted at Beijing and Linate.
- He self-isolated for 14 days in Milan starting February 7.
- He uses Instagram as a quarantine diary and is creating polaroids and watercolors.
- T-space's Art Week exhibition and video collaborations are postponed.
Entities
Artists
- Rui Wu
- Yangjiang Group
Institutions
- PAC – Padiglione d'Arte Contemporanea di Milano
- MAXXI
- Brera Academy of Fine Arts
- Bauer
- T-space
- British Airways
- Air France
- Artribune
Locations
- China
- Italy
- Milan
- Beijing
- Wuhan
- Paris
- Amsterdam
- Linate