Foreword

In the new historical context,the term“contemporary”we often talk about has gone beyond its original definition of time and extended to a deeper cultural connotation.From the perspective of the history of fine art,“contemporary”means a new era when the styles of art are diverse,and the definition of art is being extended and reinvented constantly.In the contemporary context,the open cultural atmosphere and free academic atmosphere enable artists to have unprecedentedly diversified practices.Some may hold on to traditions,some combine tradition with innovation,some make ink painting experiments,and some use new materials and new elements to create artworks.But without any exception,artists all aim at tapping and developing the contemporary value of contemporary art.

Generally speaking,contemporary art,influenced by social responsibility,realism and a drastically changing cultural context,shows a clear pursuit of the diversity of styles,with a more robust,pure and free expression of subjective consciousness.Contemporary artists are making unremitting explorations between object and mind,nature and self,tradition and modernity,life experience and the spirit of the times,thus creating colorful and diversified works of art.

On the level of practice,the evaluation,digging and development of the value of contemporary art and the recognition of its overall significance mainly hinge on two key issues:first,how to establish a self-centered evaluation system;second,how to set up an effective exchange platform and a communication system.To answer those,simple definitions or isolated promotional efforts are not enough.Holistic judgment and comprehensive research based on specific case studies are needed.Specialized academic exhibitions looking at artists with demonstrative meanings can put the artists in the historical context and the open environment of contemporary times,which enables clearer narratives and deeper research on the many questions about the development of contemporary art,so as to establish a value system for further exploration.That is an effective response to the above-mentioned key questions.

At the same time,contemporary art also represents the cultural and art brand of a city.To some extent,it is a trendsetter and a showcase of the economic and social development of a city.Itreflects the sense of social responsibility of contemporary artists in elevating public aesthetics and art appreciation.

Based on such academic and practical considerations,the 5thQingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition will be held in the beautiful seaside city of Qingdao.It has been successfully held for 4 sessions as an original cultural brand event and has been included in the list of 2022 Qingdao culture and art projects supported by the government.The exhibition,with the mission to guide fashion with modern art and realize a win-win culture and industry collaboration,has defined its theme as“Diversity·Convergence”.

The Organizing Committee of the 5thQingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition has invited experts and professors as judges.180 works have been selected as final exhibits.The art pieces cover modern ink painting,oil painting,mixed media,installation art,etc.The exhibition encourages contemporary artists to creat with new materials and elements,focusing on reviewing and contemplating the direction and dimensions of contemporary art development.Through interpretation and presentation of the artists as individual cases,the exhibition looks to present the diversity,depth and modernity of contemporary art against the backdrop of social changes and trends of thoughts on culture and art.The artists combine tradition with modern thinking to expand the vocabulary of art to realize the deepening and continuation of their understanding of art and its evolutionary trajectory.Individualized visual experience and life experience are the sources of artists’visual language.Differences based on individuality are the cause of the diversity of art forms.With that,artists create works with their unique features.

The works on exhibition are windows through which we can see the diversity of contemporary arts.Each of them reflects the artist’s idea and understanding of art,tradition,innovation and the times.They help us review the past and look into the future.The works also inspire thinking on how to expand and proceed,offering a better reference system and more clues for how to develop the practices on the development of the value of contemporary art.

Mainstream domestic media believe that Qingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition,with efforts in the past 6 years,is committed to promoting the development of contemporary art in Qingdao by holding a flagship international art show.Qingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition is becoming phenomenal and that is bound to happen as the development of the city’s politics,economy and culture reaches a certain stage.

I hope this year’s exhibition serves as a special field where visitors can ponder the sustainable development of art in contemporary times.This exhibition is a high-level platform for artists to engage in cultural,art and academic exchanges and interactions.Therefore,I also hope to see the success of the future sessions of this exhibition,which will contribute to the cultural prosperity of Qingdao.

Jiang Baolin

August 2022