Spring 2007

ANS 372 • Contemporary Chinese Art

Course Description

Grappling with the issue of tradition and modernity, artists in contemporary China present an exciting picture of visual and intellectual experimentation, that has caught international attention in the past decades. In this course we will explore various stages of development in the making of contemporary Chinese art, from early 20th century to the present day, from re-invented ink painting to installation art, from propaganda illustrations to behavioral art (xing wei yi shu). By examining monumental as well as experimental works from contemporary China against their colorful socio-political background, this course will discuss issues such as the transcultural adaptation of aesthetic concepts, state sponsorship and censorship, the relationships between visual culture and popular culture, and the impact of globalization in art.

Grading Policy

Class participation 20% Presentation 10% 3 Image ID quizzes 15% 2 midterms 20% Final exam 15% Final paper 20%

Texts

Wu Hung. Transcience: Chinese Experimental Art at the End of the Twentieth Century. Sullivan, Michael. Art and Artists of Twentieth-Century China. Course packet

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