Forewords
The increasing“globalization”of contemporary art has seen a closer relationship between regional art forms and international contemporary art,which interact and exchange more frequently.Contemporary art behaviors happening simultaneously at different places reflect artists’common attention on global hot topics,and embody their aspiration to illustrate a community of a shared future for mankind through art.
In 1996,Shanghai became the first Chinese city to hold its inaugural International Art Biennale supported by the government,offering an officially sponsored stage for the exhibition of contemporary artworks and an interactive platform for the public to appreciate contemporary art through an up-close and immersive experience.The favorable opportunities and art ecology have enabled the development of contemporary art.With new elements formed by new materials and new visuals,artists can create in a“nomadic”and innovative manner where they feel unrestrained in using various materials in the way they want,thus avoiding the lack of diversity in the expression of art.They can arouse resonance in the minds of people by using the combination of black and white,emptiness and fullness.From the artworks,we can see the pure,intrinsic and diverse elements which come together to form innumerous“intense”pictures.Among them,the works created by Chinese contemporary artists embody the wisdom and world view from the east.That is reflected in the quote of Zhuangzi cited by modern aesthetician Zong Baihua,“Emptiness in the mind gives room for wisdom”.
The city of Qingdao has a history of only some 130 years.However,it has gone through trial and tribulation as a city once occupied by Germany and Japan.In this process,Qingdao has formed its own characters.The city is innovative,inclusive and open to technological development,with cultural diversity and cross-sector integration.It boasts the essence of both Chinese and western cultures.These attributes plus the artistic atmosphere are a perfect match for contemporary art.
Since 2017,the Qingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition has been held for 4 successful sessions.Domestic and international artists are enthusiastic about the show.It is guided and financially supported by the Qingdao Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the China Artists Association.The Contemporary Art Committee and Oil Painting Art Committeeof the Shandong Artists Association,as sponsors,encourage their member artists to create artworks and participate in the exhibition,which has contributed to the growth and success of the exhibition.This year’s exhibition will be housed at the modern-style 1902 Art Museum in the Bauhaus-style Textile Valley,which has been converted from the site of an old factory.
As to the need for reflecting local features,the organizing committee has decided on the positioning of“look to the east”which proves to be wise and fitting for the show and also ensures a show that is both international and local.In addition,unlike shows in other cities in China,this exhibition has won the attention and recognition of a large number of international artists,which enables a wider source of artworks and helps create a show of a unique style with its own group of artists.
The overseas artists taking part in this year’s exhibition are mainly from the other 14 member countries of RCEP.The development of the Qingdao RCEP Pilot Area for Economic and Trade Cooperation has also provided opportunities for the exhibition.The past sessions have been participated by prominent artists from China,Japan,South Korea Australia,New Zealand,Malaysia,Thailand,Myanmar,Indonesia,Republic of the Philippines,India,Nepal,the Maldives and so on.
Qingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition,based in Qingdao and covering several cities in the Shandong Peninsula,displays the cultural strength of Qingdao as an emerging firsttier city.Famous Shandong-born artists Du Dakai and Jiang Baolin both actively participated in the exhibition with their latest artworks exhibited in Qingdao,showing their care and support for the development of art in their home province.At the same time,many volunteers have been working hard and efficiently with great team spirit and devotion.They have made an outstanding contribution to the preparations for the exhibition.
Just like we reap what we sow,with years of effort,the Qingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition has become an influential platform of contemporary art that has attracted a large number of artists from across the world to engage with their artworks.As an original cultural brand event with distinctive local features and the features of the times,the Qingdao InternationalContemporary Art Exhibition,as designed by its organizing committee,sets a different theme for each year’s session which all center on the forms and spirit of innovation.Art comes from life.Contemporary art epitomizes the development and progress of Qingdao from a cultural perspective.Art,as the culmination of humanity’s persistent pursuit of material and culture,embodies people’s aspiration for a wonderful new life and will also promote the advancement of human civilization.
Lin Jianye
Deputy Director of the Contemporary Art Committee of Shandong Artist Association,
Chief Curator of the 5thQingdao International Contemporary Art Exhibition
September 2022