 |
|
The exhibition shows three of the most
prominent representatives
of this modern "converted realism."(Photo:
CCTV.com)
Photo Gallery>>>
|
BEIJING, April 11 -- Realistic depictions are
commonly found throughout the history of Chinese art. Still, each era has its
own perspective. The interpretations and transformations of reality, reveal
social and political changes in China over time.
During the 1980's, one group of burgeoning artists
became among the first to meld artistic influences from the West, with their own
artistic roots. These artists were seeking an escape from the formalism of a
tradition which they believed had gone stale. The results of their experiments
are presented in a new exhibition. "Facing Reality: Selections of Chinese
Contemporary Art", opened at the National Museum of Fine Arts, Tuesday
afternoon.
The exhibition shows three of the most prominent
representatives of this modern "converted realism." A more sober form of social
reality, is emphasized, in the tension that exists between the individual and
the collective. Social liberty and political power are mirrored among the
grinning faces of bald heads. These are self images revealed in a series of
paintings by Fang Lijun. Similar, repetitive images may be seen in a couple of
oils from Yue Minjun. The heads and faces bear a grotesque, satirical mien - as
if the artist is poking fun at himself.
Zhang Xiaogang's family portraits -black and white
oils with occasional flashes of color - are based on his family photos. Surreal
elements and metaphorical turns are affected, through small blotches of color
and the through the evident similarity of the faces.
Since the 1990's,globalization in China has led to
more urbanization. The role of the media has blossomed. These developments have
occurred at an unparalleled pace. In the arts, pluralist approaches and the use
of various media are direct consequences.
A few works of installation art from Chen Wenling,
Wang Jianwei and Xiang Jing adopt various media for interpreting reality.
Digital photography, video, film and computer animation are forms favored by
today's younger generation of artists.
In their works they question their self-identities
and that of society. New and unimagined potentials are met in equal measure by
uncertainties and insecurities.
The exhibition was first shown at the Museum Moderner
in Austria late last year. At the original showing the exhibits covered the four
floors of the museum in Vienna. The current showing in Beijing is an abridgement
of the original.
Fan Di'an curator of National Museum of Fine Arts,
said, "It's well known that contemporary art thrived in the climate of reform
and opening-up. Experimentation gave rise to all kinds of arts. These remain in
dire need of distillation and interpretation. Sometimes Art became overburdened
with mono-dimensional Western views. The interpretation of reality began to
diverge from mainstream culture. And that makes this selection all the more
important. "
Throughout the exhibition, curators are keen to show
that what's on show are not "art wonders" that suddenly materialized from
nothing. The works represent the culmination of an era of Chinese art history
spanning an entire century.
The country's history and its artistic reflections -
as seen at the exhibition - reveal a deep culture about which the West was
widely ignorant. The exhibits enhance and encourage objective assessment. And
they contribute to a better understanding of contemporary art in general.
(Source: CCTV.com)
