Gallery News

By Margaret Tao

New York

Goedhuis Contemporary of London will present 'China Without Borders', a major exhibition of contemporary Chinese art, at Sotheby's New York from 19 to 28 June. The work of thirty artists from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Hawaii, France, Britain and the USA will be shown. It is the first time that such a wide range of work from so many countries will be united in one show. The goal was to include the best artists in the world of Chinese origin and the freshest and most original work being done. Some of the artists are already established, while others are new discoveries.

Two Riders By Zeng Shanqing, 2001 Ink and colour on paper Height 89 cm, length 142 cm 'China Without Borders' Goedhuis Contemporary at Sotheby's New York

About twenty of the artists are represented by Goedhuis on a permanent basis. He is interested in artists who negotiate the creative process through their own culture rather than directly regurgitate Western styles. C.C. Wang and Tseng Yuho are two of the pioneers who exemplify Goedhuis's ideals. The modernism of mainland calligraphers like Gu Gan, Huang Miaozi and Wang Dongling represent a break with tradition. The abstract paintings of widely exhibited artists like Wucius Wong from Hong Kong, and Ho Huai-shuo and Liu Guosong from Taiwan grow visibly out of the classical Chinese painting tradition. Although Gu Wenda and Xu Bing are now New York residents, links to Chinese culture can still be found in their avant-garde installations and performance works. While Buddha images by Li Chen from Taipei are reminiscent of classical Tang sculpture, they are also sleek and full of humour. Nobel laureate for literature, Gao Xingjian is also a talented painter and will exhibit his work in America for the first time.Goedhuis noted that these artists represent the last generation to have a link with the Chinese classical tradition. Many of them were not only affected by the dislocation of the Cultural Revolution but were also the first to be exposed to contemporary currents in Western art. This is a truly historic conjunction which he believes will disappear within a decade. The original idea was simply to present the artists' work, but it has expanded into a broader show which will include architecture and fashion. Four of New York's top fashion designers, Han Feng, Peter Som, Zang Toi, Vera Wang, and architect Calvin Tsao, will create room settings around the theme 'East Meets West: Living with Art'. Jeannette Chang, senior vice-president of Hearst Magazines International, is the motivating force behind this aspect of the show. 'Fashion designers have long been influenced by art, but this direct association with artists will establish real links between the historical artistic tradition of China and the modern fashion world of New York,' she said. The room settings embody the idea that many areas of innovation in the Chinese world are influencing Western aesthetics. It will be interesting to see how these designers will 'live' with Chinese art when given the freedom to unleash their creativity. The exhibition should attract visitors who would not normally attend an art show. At the opening night party on 19 June, fashion designer Vivienne Tam will sign copies of her book, China Chic.

The tenth floor of Sotheby's newly renovated auction facility will provide a fantastic venue for this ambitious project. Jim Allman, Executive Vice-President of Worldwide Marketing, commented that 'China Without Borders' will be the highlight of the summer. He commented: 'I thought that because the auction business is very seasonal and there are quiet times both in the summer and the winter, doing a series of special events would attract people to the building, and be a good use of this spectacular space'. The works on display are for sale, and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit China Institute in America. A colour catalogue illustrating works by each artist and articles by leading authorities in the field such as Jonathan Hay, Gao Minglu and Michael Sullivan will accompany the show.