Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum is pleased to present “Abstraction and Beyond: A Research-Based Tour Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Art”. Featuring 16 prominent artists in the realm of Chinese abstract art, the exhibition intends to cast light on the development of abstract art in China as well as the different artistic characteristics of the 16 artists. Open to public on September 24, “Abstraction and Beyond” will run through October 23.
Abstract art should be deemed as a logical end point of modern art in the west and the greatest invention during the art history of the 20 th century. In China, abstract art could be traced back to the end of 1970s. With a batch of artists studying abroad constantly choosing to go back to China after the launch of the reform and opening-up policy, the emergence of a group of abstract artists had been witnessed. Ever since then, abstract art has been booming and played a significant role in the Chinese contemporary art scene.
Similarities could be drawn from the development of abstract art in China and that of Chinese society itself, which imbues the study of abstract art in China with unique importance. When probing into the logic clues of western art history and the various practices and theories of Chinese abstract art, simply following the linear knowledge system of the west should be avoided. Rather, the study and discussion of Chinese abstract art should be carried out within a broader context. Only under such a premise that the review, analysis, study and promotion of Chinese abstract art could be conducted in a systematic and productive manner, leading to the promotion of the exchanges of contemporary art between China and abroad and to further enhance the reflection upon as well as the development of Chinese abstract art.
To present a holistic picture of Chinese abstract art, to guide its further development, to strengthen the academic study of abstract art and enhance the public’s awareness of abstract art, in collaboration with the National Research Center for Contemporary Art of the Chinese National Academy of Arts and based on the previous “A Research-Based Tour Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Art”, Shanghai Minsheng Art Museum presents “Abstraction and Beyond: A Research-Based Tour Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Art”, aiming to further figure out the historical development of Chinese abstract art and present new angles and possibilities for the discussion on the abstract art.
Based on the previous exhibition “A Research-Based Tour Exhibition of Chinese Abstract Art”, this exhibition consists of three parts and features more explorations and practices since the 1970s. A catalogue accompanying the exhibition will be published. The museum will also organize academic seminars, inviting scholars and critics from both China and abroad to share their insights into Chinese abstract art.
In the meantime, special exhibitions featuring different themes and angles will also be presented during the exhibition to further promote and enrich the research in this field.
