Yang Fudong, Xu Zhen, Yang Zhenzhong's 'Useful Life' Exhibition in Shanghai, 2000
In November 2000, the exhibition 'Useful Life' took place on Dong Daming Road, featuring Shanghai artists Yang Fudong, Xu Zhen, and Yang Zhenzhong. Yang Fudong showcased a fabricated photo-documentary alongside a multi-screen video installation, while Xu Zhen performed with video surveillance and displayed images of nude males. Yang Zhenzhong introduced his video 'I Will Die' (2000–2005). This exhibition arose amidst a trend of artist-curated events in late-1990s China, standing apart from larger group shows. Chen Xiaoyun's essay in the catalogue critiqued communism and emphasized consumerism. Unlike the controversial 'Fuck Off', which was closed down, 'Useful Life' successfully ran its course and coincided with the 3rd Shanghai Biennial (2000), indicating a transformation in the art landscape.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Useful Life' took place in November 2000 in Shanghai.
- Artists: Yang Fudong, Xu Zhen, Yang Zhenzhong.
- Location: temporary space on Dong Daming Road, Hongkou district, Shanghai.
- Yang Zhenzhong debuted 'I Will Die' (2000–2005) at the exhibition.
- Catalogue essay 'Reasons for a Daydreaming Proletariat' by Chen Xiaoyun.
- Exhibition ran its full duration without being closed by authorities.
- Coincided with the 3rd Shanghai Biennial (2000), curated by Hou Hanru, Toshio Shimizu, Li Xu, Zhang Qing.
- Part of a wave of artist-curated experimental exhibitions in late-1990s China.
Entities
Artists
- Yang Fudong
- Xu Zhen
- Yang Zhenzhong
- Wu Meichun
- Qiu Zhijie
- Fei Pingguo
- Alexander Brandt
- Feng Boyi
- Ai Weiwei
- Chen Xiaoyun
- Davide Quadrio
- Charles Merewether
- Jonathan Watkins
- Robert Storr
- Hou Hanru
- Toshio Shimizu
- Li Xu
- Zhang Qing
- Zhu Qi
Institutions
- Afterall
- Afterall Journal
- Eastlink Gallery
- University of Chicago Press
- Venice Biennial
- Shanghai Biennial
Locations
- Shanghai
- China
- Hongkou district
- Dong Daming Road
- Beijing
- Yishequ Apartments
- Jinyuan Road
Sources
- Afterall —