Continuum Generation by Generation: The representation of Chinese traditions at the China Pavilion of the 57th Venice Biennale. (1st September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De Nigris, Ornella
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary Chinese art. Volume 6:Number 2/3(2019)
• Page Start: 343
• Page End: 366
• Publication Date: 2019-09-01
• Subjects: Art, Chinese -- Periodicals; Art, Modern Periodicals -- 20th century -- China; Art, Modern -- 21st century -- China -- Periodicals; 709.51
• DOI: 10.1386/jcca_00011_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-7041

Abstract

AbstractThis article focuses on the China pavilion of the 57th Venice Biennale as a case study. The theme of the pavilion, Continuum ‐ Generation by Generation, revolved around the long history of Chinese tradition and offered a visual re-elaboration of it by means of contemporary art and folk art. The works exhibited drew on Chinese mythology, masterpieces of Chinese art history, philosophical concepts and handcraft traditions, hence presenting a variegated image of (contemporary) Chinese art. This exhibition offers opportunities for a critical reading of the relationship between contemporary art and tradition implied by the theme Continuum, and I will explore the narrative and curatorial discourse it presented to the audience.