Xu Jiang: Contemporary Art and Local Culture

Author: Gao Shiming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: This series titled "Contemporary Art and Local Culture" features four artists: Cai Guo-Qiang, Xu Jiang, Qiu Zhi-Jie, and others, all of whom are from Fujian. Xu Jiang has been remarkably diligent since returning from his studies in Germany in 1989, continuously presenting new works. Besides various academic exhibitions in China, he first participated in the 24th S?o Paulo Biennial with the Chinese National Pavilion, followed by an exhibition in Berlin. His influence, however, lies less in his own paintings. For years, he has engaged in academic discussions and organized events as an art scholar, such as serving as a judge for various exhibitions of the Chinese Oil Painting Association. In 2001, he attended a dialogue with Okwui Enwezor, the overall curator of this year's Documenta in Kassel, in Singapore. This year, he also served as the chair of the artistic committee for the 2002 Shanghai Biennial, making him an indispensable speaker on the contemporary art forum. His efforts since taking charge of the China Academy of Art have further cemented his status as a focal point of discussion in the art world.