Human body has been an eternal subject in art history. In the aesthetics of ancient Greek sculptures, human body is the perfect form of power and beauty which is used as an ideal model to build sculptures of Gods. While in traditional Chinese culture, the idea of unity of heaven and humanity has led to a lasting interest in the spiritual aspect of human body throughout the history of literati paintings. In modern time, with the born of pop art, human body has been a mirror reflecting social sub- cultures and transitional self-awareness. It has been connected to wider social phenomena such as fashion and celebrity (e.g. Andy Warhol), advertisement and consumerism (e.g. Jeff Koons), as well as gender and identity (e.g. Cindy Sherman) etc.
Recognizing the pluralism of today's art practice in China, this exhibition, with a focus on the theme of human body, would examine the individual characteristics shown by a group of Chinese young artists in making body-related arts of their own.
Featured artists: Li Bo, Yu Ying, Song Yi, Wang Lin, and Zhang Qian
Image: © Zhang Qian, Amelie Gallery