AHI 541SEM - Studies in Chinese Art the Wall And Contemporary Chinese Art

The Wall is particularly significant to Chinese history and culture, because it is not only a fundamental element of classic Chinese architecture, but also constitutes a spatial system that reflects the Chinese mentality. This system is unique to Chinese culture and is made of all types of walls including grand historical structure such as the Great Wall and the various inner city walls, as well as the walls in courtyards and the paper screens displayed in living rooms. Since these walls are not simple objects and they carry an original voice that speaks for Chinese people=s history and daily lives, contemporary Chinese artists are often inspired by the image/concept of the Wall. For them, the Wall is neither a simple replica of the walls from real life, nor a medium/material for artistic creation. It is a powerful notion about history and an intriguing idea about contemporary space. Through lectures, reading and discussion this seminar course will investigate how Chinese artists attempt to transform the physical forms a well as the notion of the traditional Wall into a contemporary practice. The course will examine the various contemporary Chinese all projects in dealing with issues such as the modernization of China, the transformation of urban space, and the confrontation between globalization and national identity. Credits: 3