After a period of oppression, art can become a means of rediscovery, self-expression and newfound freedom.
This is the experience captured in the paintings, photographs, sculptures and animations of the contemporary Chinese art movement born in the late 1970s.
It is also an experience ASU students can view at the newest exhibit to be displayed in the ASU Art Museum Sept. 24 through Dec. 24.
ASU is the exhibit's fifth stop on a national tour, preceded by a show in Los Angeles, where it received positive reviews.
The Los Angeles Times called it "an opportunity to catch up with Chinese artists who are making a mark at home and abroad."
"Artwork is a window into other backgrounds and cultures. I think that an exhibit like this is interesting. It provides another perspective," said Chris Richards, a museum anthropology graduate student.
Called "Regeneration: Contemporary Art from China and the U.S.," the exhibit includes works in various media by 26 Chinese artists who have broken away from the style of Socialist Realism, once mandated by Communist leader Mao Zedong.
When Zedong died in 1976 and the Cultural Revolution in China ended, artists began to explore and rapidly develop new values and foundations.
"Regeneration" showcases over 50 works from this period of artistic rediscovery.
"Because of the opening up of culture to new art forms, the artist has been granted a new freedom to do different things without a fear of being looked down upon," said Laura Stewart, curator of education for the ASU Art Museum.
The contemporary art featured in "Regeneration" was influenced by various styles including traditional Chinese folk art, the Socialist Realism style, the international modernist scene and even Western culture.
"I think the exhibit offers everyone an opportunity to not just see East meeting West, but West meeting East," said Stewart.
Stewart said artist Xu Bing is a perfect example of the artistic convergence between Chinese and Western culture.
In his piece "Square Word Calligraphy," Bing created a written language by constructing calligraphy-like characters out of English words.
"To a western person it looks like it's Chinese. In fact, it's English. It's a twist on traditional artwork," Stewart said.
Similarly, a photograph by Hong Lei expresses a cultural clash between East and West by imitating Song Dynasty court paintings, with a surreal, violent and contemporary twist. Many of the pieces in the exhibit were created to have a high impact. Some contain nudity and violence, and are recommended for mature viewers.
The exhibit exposes students to Chinese culture through a variety of artists, media and theme, thus creating a dialogue, said John Spiak, curator for the ASU Art Museum.
"It's really important on this campus to have an open dialogue with other cultures. This exhibit opens that up," he added.
Reach the reporter at ann.censky@asu.edu.
