Taking nearly a year of preparation by the Art Museum of Central Academy of Fine Arts, “The 1st CAFAM Biennale: Super-Organism/ Research and Experiment from a Specific View” ceremoniously opened on Sep 20th at CAFAM. With all their strengths based on the academic platform, this biennale launched a new exhibition which will demonstrate research and themes around contemporary art among academically multi-disciplinary principles.
Having referenced the framework, structure and characteristics of international biennales around the world, the CAFAM Biennale centers on a broad vision of contemporary culture from a Chinese cultural standpoint. In its’ attempt to explore the methodology of curating and displaying an exhibition, it emphasizes originality, the spiritual nature of art in its’ utilization of the academic research background of the Central Academy of Fine Arts. By seeking a profound study on historical issues and the disciplines of the humanities, it orients towards establishing an international platform for academic research and artistic dialogues.
Art Director-Gerneral Pan Gongkai saluted at the opening ceremony.
Art Director Xu Bing announced the opening of the biennale.
Curator of CAFAM Wang Huangsheng addressed at the opening.
Renowned artist Tony Cragg made his speech at the opening.
President of Goethe Institue China Peter Anders addressed at the opening ceremony.
Belgian Ambassador addressed at the ceremony.
Representive of young artist Gao Rong expressed her thanks for this biennale.
The biennale features a total of 49 artists (team), including 33 Chinese artists (group) and 10 foreign artists (group), in addition to 6 foreign artists from 2 special programs. Framed by the main title of “Super Organism” the exhibition is divided into 6 parts: “Super Organism” Archives Study, Super-Body, Super-Machine, Super-Urbanity, Bio-Politics and International Special Programs.
The theme of this biennale is “Super-Organism” with “body”, “city”, “society” and “politics” as its’ indispensable “organisms”. The exhibition intends to explore how these organisms can break through their conventional definitions and conditions of constraint to express their variation and formative processes. “Organism” and “in-organism” belong to homologous categories that classify this material world. Everyone on this earth endeavors to achieve a sense of self-worth and fulfill his desire in this organic world. During this recursive procedure of expectation, imagination and realization, our understanding of the organic world can be broadened, reaching a situation of “super organism”. The boundaries of art can be enlarged and the conventional cognitive methodologies overturned as changes occur in this process.
The 1st CAFAM Biennale Super-Organism Research and Experiment from a Specific View.
A journalist from CAFA ART INFO purposed her question at the conference .
Ambassadors Invited to The 1st CAFAM Biennale Super-Organism Research and Experiment from a Specific View.
Audience at the opening conference
Addressing the main issues of concern in contemporary art, the CAFAM Biennale invites curators, artists and experts home and abroad to give free rein to their imagination, participating in the exhibition, joining in forums and exhibiting their works as well as publications. Four thematic forums held from the end of May 2011 to the end of September 2011 with respective notions of “super-machine”, “super-urbanity”, “super-body” and “bio-politics” will invite four scholars to talk over relevant topics. In addition, the Department of Public Education of the CAFA Art Museum will launch “ Beyond Boundaries, Private Interview,” “ Super Organism”—University Lecture Series and “The Night of Art Museum—Super Organism Assembly,” which encourage and invite university students and community members to participate and interact.
An artist was adjusting the effects of his work.
Hero II by Wu Di, 2011; mixed media, 90×30cm
Landscapes in Body-Amber
What Will come by William Kentride
Space of Stars by Liang Quan, 2011, 200x140cmx5
Portrait of Nam June Paik by Kevin Clarke
Out of Beichuan, 2010; Oil on Canvas, 300x400cm
Duration of the Exhibition: Sep 20th –Oct 30th
Venue: CAFA Art Museum
Organization:
Art Director-General: Pan Gongkai
Art Director: Xu Bing
Curatorial Team: Wang Huangsheng, Pi Li, Guo Xiaoyan and Wang Chunchen
Forum Director: Wang Min’an
Cooperation:
Times Museum, Guangdong;
Beijing Bonwin Contemporary Art Investment Co., Ltd;
China International Exhibition Co. ,Ltd
Academic Supporters:
School of Humanities, China Central Academy of Fine Arts;
School of Fine Arts, China Central Academy of Fine Arts;
School of Arts, Peking University
Artistic List of the 1st CAFAM Biennale
33 Chinese artists:
Chen Jieren, Feng Feng, Gao Rong, Hu Xiangqian, Huang Ran,
Huang Yongping, Jiang Zhi, Lei Benben, Li Ming, Liang Quan, Liu Chuang,
Liu Xiaodong, Lu Yang, Ma Qiusha, Qiu Zhijie, Qiu Jiongjing,
Sui Jianguo, Wang Yin, Wang Yuyang, Wu Di, Wu Shanzhuan,
Xu Bing, Xu tan, Yang Fudong, Yang Jian, Yang Xinguang, Yu Xinge,
Yuan Yunsheng, Zhang Liaoyuan, Zhang Nan, Zhou Tiehai,
Dong Hu 20110(Group) and Museum of Unknown (Group)
10 foreign artists:
Adel Abdessemed (France)
Mathew Barney (U.S.A.)
C & C Karaoke Factory (U.S.A.)
Kevin Clarke (U.S.A.)
Tony Cragg (U.K.)
Wim Delvoye(Belgium)
Kendell Geers (South Africa)
Subodh Gupta (India)
William Kentridge (South Africa)
David Schnell (U.S.A.)
2 International special programs for the 1st CAFAM Biennale:
One is the “Uncertain Text”—an exhibition from Belgium including video, installation and performances by 5 artists who are David Claerbout, Ann Veronica Janssens, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Frank Theys, Joëlle Tuerlinckx.
The other is to be carried out in cooperation with Geothe Institut China. German choreographist—Christopher Roman will be invited to work with Chinese artists from different fields of art on a multi-national workshop under the theme of “synchronous object” at CAFA Art Museum.
