This season is a celebration of a new lease of life for Chinese contemporary art in all corners of the globe
As you wander around during Hong Kong’s hot summer, Chinese contemporary art may not be the first (or even second) topic that comes to mind. However, this season boasts some of the best exhibitions that have ever been put together on the topic, from California to Germany, all the way to Australia.
Coincidence? Not really – the last few years have seen the emergence of a new generation of Chinese artists, born after the Cultural Revolution, who are much more minimal, conceptual, and globalised. First revealed through a number of exhibitions in the last years, mostly in Beijing, such as ON/OFF at UCCA, many of these artists have since attained international recognition, and are starting to be widely exhibited around the world.
Here is a short guide of the six best shows that are on right now. A special mention goes to the exhibition at the Whitworth Museum in Manchester, which exhibits 80 works from the Uli Sigg Collection, which will makes its way to Hong Kong when the M+ Museum opens. Granted, not everybody spends summer holidays in Manchester, but this exhibition is a good enough reason to stop by!
Chinese Art From the 1970s to Now
What: 80 works, four decades of fast-moving art, from The Uli Sigg Collection – one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese art.
Why? These works are part of the collection that will be shown at M+, Hong Kong, when it opens in 2019.
Where? Whitworth Museum, Manchester, United Kingdom
When? Until September 20, 2015
China 8
© Wang Qingsong
Why? The largest-ever showcase of Chinese contemporary art in the world.
Where? Eight cities in Germany
When? Until September 13, 2015
Wastelands
What? Works of eight artists who all have links to China or are of Chinese descent, in an exhibition that explores the idea of waste as a result of consumption.
Why? It’s a key topic in today’s society, and includes some of China’s most important artists, such as Cao Fei and Ai Weiwei.
Where? Ovada Gallery, Oxford, United Kingdom
When? Until August 9, 2015
Ink Remix
What? Contemporary ink art from China challenging traditional ideas, presenting more than 35 works of art from 14 artists based in Mainland.
Why? Contemporary ink is a hot topic, and Canberra a great city!
Where? Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra, Australia
When? Until October 18, 2015
My Generation: Young Chinese Artists
What? An extended look at the new generation of artists, all born after 1976 emerging in Mainland China since 2000.
Why? An extremely comprehensive exhibition, featuring today’s best artists from China. Not to miss if you are around.
Where? Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach, California, United States
When? Until October 11, 2015
28 Chinese
What? An exhibition of 48 artworks from 28 contemporary Chinese artists, organized by the Rubbell Collection.
Why? First shown in Miami during Art Basel 2014, it was a landmark show in the United States, now touring across the country.
Where? Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, United States
When? Until August 16, 2015