Nanchizi Museum presents “Literati and Artisan” featuring a film, sculptures, installations and paintings by three leading figures of contemporary Chinese art: Yang Fudong, Zhan Wang and Zhao Zhao. Curated by Cui Cancan, the title of this exhibition comes from the topic about the world of the literati and the spirit of artisan in ancient China. Similarly, this long-standing traditional garden carries two implications, serving as the embodiment of reclusive philosophy and a home for the secular life of the ancient Chinese.

Installation View of “Literati and Artisan”

As the title of the exhibition suggests, “Literati and Artisan” attempts to explore literati’ life and craftsmanship in traditional Chinese culture. On the one hand, “literati” have inherited the literati’ spirit in their paintings and life, which have then become symbols of the origin of Chinese culture. On the other hand, “artisan” in ancient China has held onto discussions on creation, production, craftsmanship and techniques and had the earliest understanding of the rational spirit of science and technology in China.

However, the long history did not enhance the position and significance of “artisan”, they have simply become the service providers for “literati” and “gentlemen”. As a result, people stopped pursuing precision and craftsmanship, science and modernization, and no longer advocated willpower and belief. Thus “craftsmanship” has declined.

At the exhibition, three artists are invited to rethink the contemporary value of craftsmanship from different perspectives and artistic practices, and to show the life and spirit of the literati beyond tradition. Zhan Wang’s latest work “The Unlimited/The Unlimited 1#” was shown to the public for the first time. Meanwhile, “Mr. Fool Wants to Move the Mountain” by Yang Fudong was premiered in Beijing and Zhao Zhao also showed his latest creations.

 Installation View of “Literati and Artisan”

The infinite shapes created by Artist Zhan Wang adopt fluid mechanics, mathematical algorithms, and abstract philosophy, emphasizing modern science and precision manufacturing, and symbolizing modern “literati and artisan”. 

Exhibition View of Zhan Wang's Works

The works of Artist Zhao Zhao lead our eyes to a more distant history, the belief projected by the ancient people of China in the creation of objects, the complex relationship between civilization, belief, power and the changes of things contained in the jade dragon, bamboo shoots and the palace gates, as well as the origin of “artisan” and “literati”. 

Exhibition View of Zhao Zhao's Works

Artist Yang Fudong's work “Mr. Fool Wants to Move the Mountain” originated from a myth during the Warring States Period, which, as a portrayal of the craftsmanship, represents the relationship between the inheritance of Mr. Fool's spirit and modern society. In today's mediocre life, the years of slowness, contemplation and solitude, as well as the obsession and perseverance, are so precious.

Exhibition View of Yang Fudong's Work

“Literati and Artisan” tells a cultural story, which created a splendid history, but due to the evolving times and contexts, they gained disparate rebirths and values under the reflection between skills and arts.

The exhibition will remain on view till 9 July, 2022.

About the exhibition

Curator: Cui Cancan

Dates: 10 April-9 July, 2022

Venue: Nanchizi Museum

Address: 21 Pudusi West Lane, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Courtesy of the Artists and Nanchizi Museum.