Sean Scully's Major Retrospective in Shanghai Examines Abstraction and Market Ambitions

In March 2015, a significant retrospective of Sean Scully's art, spanning from 1964 to 2014, is showcased at a privately funded museum in Shanghai, initiated by property developer Dai Zhikang and curated by Philip Dodd. The exhibition features over 100 pieces, ranging from early Fauvism-inspired works to 1970s geometric color experiments, and includes later series such as Wall of Light and Doric. Wall texts aim to bridge Scully's abstract art with Chinese viewers, referencing his interest in Fritjof Capra's 'The Tao of Physics' and its connections to Chinese ink painting. Notably, Bono's endorsement as a collector is highlighted, while Ai Weiwei, whom Scully taught at Parsons in the 1980s, is not mentioned. The centerpiece, 'China Piled Up' (2014), reflects China's steel production with steel frames resembling shipping crates, creating maze-like views. The exhibition is located near a five-star hotel, shopping mall, and a German-style Christmas market, prompting discussions about its role in the Asian market. A smaller room features photographs and works on paper from places like Morocco, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing Scully's exploration of geometry, light, and texture in human landscapes. Despite commercial aspects, the artwork is characterized as powerful and humanistic.