“What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China” opened last week at Qatar Museum’s Gallery Al Riwaq in Doha, featuring works of 15 artists and collectives born in mainland China, curated by artist Cai Guo-Qiang.
The exhibit is the product of three years of curatorial research and development. Housed in Gallery Al Riwaq, which is comprised of more than 35,000 square feet, the exhibition examines the subject of creativity in relation to modern practices by Chinese artists that aims to challenge both traditional Chinese aesthetics and Western art.
XU Zhen-Produced by MadeIn Company Under Heaven-2902VT0149 (detail) Oil, canvas, aluminium plastic composite panel 2014 250x180x14cm Courtesy of MadeIn Company
Each artist’s work is located in an independent gallery space, drawing on individual artistic expression, concepts, and methodologies. The works range from painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, and interactive video game design. Among the highlights is a 60-minute documentary entitled What About the Art?, directed by Shanshan Xia and produced by 33 Studio NY, exploring the global pursuit of creativity in society.
In addition, scholar Wang Mingxian has curated “Timeline,” a gallery dedicated to exposing visitors to the historical and cultural development of Chinese art from 1949 to the present.
Installation view of “What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China”
As part of the key program in the 2016 Qatar-China Year of Culture, the exhibition has received funding from China National Arts Fund, Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture, and Shanghai International Culture Association.
Jennifer Wen Ma, The Furthest Distance In A Paradise Interrupted, 2015, courtesy of Jennifer Wen Ma Studio
“What About the Art? Contemporary Art from China” is on display through July 16 at Qatar Museums Gallery Al Riwaq in Doha, Qatar.
