Shi Yong<br/>
Born 1963, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China<br/>
<em>A Bunch of Happy Fantasies</em> 2009<br/>
neon, transparent synthetic polymer resin<br/>
500.0 x 500.0 cm (variable)<br/>
The White Rabbit Collection, Sydney<br/>
© Shi Yong and ShanghArt Gallery<br/>

Art and the World: China Short Course



Past program

NGV International

Meet: Members Lounge (enter North Foyer via Arts Centre forecourt)
Ground Level

China’s re-emergence as a global economic power has coincided with its growing importance in the international contemporary art world.

Over four weeknights in August, NGV curators and special guests guide participants through China’s social, political and cultural history, discovering the development of Chinese art from past to present.

Presented in partnership with Asia Society Australia. 

Course Learning Outcomes

  • Introductory knowledge of Chinese history and philosophy including Confucianism and Daoism and the influence of these philosophies on contemporary Chinese culture
  • Understanding of key themes in traditional Chinese art and culture, such as the role of nature
  • Understanding the impact of Communism and socialist ideology on Chinese art and culture, from the Cultural Revolution to today
  • Insights into the development of the contemporary Chinese and global art markets
  • Skills in analysing, interpreting and discussing contemporary Chinese art and artists
  • Understanding of China’s contemporary, social and environmental concerns and how they have informed contemporary art

Wed 7 Aug, 6.30–8.30pm (Past)

Discover the profound impact of cultural traditions and beliefs on the development of Chinese art over centuries.

Speakers
Chunmei Pan, PhD Candidate, China Studies Research Centre, La Trobe University
Dr Claire Roberts, Associate Professor, Art History and ARC Future Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne
Prof Tonia Eckfeld, Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne

Learning Outcomes

  • Introductory knowledge of China’s early history and Chinese art from antiquity to contemporary
  • Understanding of the development of Chinese art, and the origins and principles of Confucianism, Buddhism and other beliefs in Chinese culture past and present
  • Understanding of the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture
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Wed 14 Aug, 6.30–8.30pm (Past)

How is nature used as an inspirational force in Chinese art and culture? Explore examples of traditional and contemporary art works that consider the beauty and power of nature, and environmental challenges.

Speakers
Vickie Zhang, cultural geographer and documentary maker
Wayne Crothers, Senior Curator, Asian Art, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

  • Insights into the importance of nature in Chinese culture and philosophy
  • Understanding of the key role the natural world plays in traditional and contemporary Chinese art, literature and music
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Wed 21 Aug, 6.30–8.30pm (Past)

Learn about Mao’s Cultural Revolution (1966 – 1976) and its continuing influence on contemporary Chinese art, with consideration of the current restrictions in representing political beliefs.

Speakers
Prof Antonia Finnane, Lecturer, The University of Melbourne
Dr Claire Roberts, Associate Professor, Art History and ARC Future Fellow, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne
Luise Guest, Manager of Research, White Rabbit Gallery
Susan van Wyk, Senior Curator, Photography, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge of the history of the Cultural Revolution in China from 1966 until 1976
  • An understanding of how economic progress has led to the evolution of Chinese Communism
  • Understanding of the effect of Communism and the Cultural Revolution on Chinese art today
  • Awareness of the effect of successive Communist regimes in China on dissident Chinese artists
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Wed 28 Aug, 6.30–8.30pm (Past)

What is the impact of China’s rise in the global economy on Chinese contemporary art and culture? Considering works on display in A Fairy Tale in Red Times: Works From the White Rabbit Collection, learn how to situate China in a global framework and consider the impact of globalisation on the Chinese contemporary art scene.

Speakers
Philipp Ivanov, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Society Australia
Merriden Varrall, Nonresident Fellow, Lowy Institute and Director of Geopolitics and Tax, KPMG
Dr James Leibold, Head of Department, Politics, Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University
Dr Anita Archer, Academic, The University of Melbourne
Dr Simon Maidment, Senior Curator, Contemporary Art, NGV
Annika Aitken, Curatorial Project Officer, Asian Art, NGV

Learning Outcomes

  • Introductory knowledge of the current economic structure in China and its impact on contemporary Chinese art
  • Insights into the influence of the global economy on the development of the Chinese art and culture
  • Understanding of the relationship between China and the West today
  • Knowledge of the effect of Western ideas on Chinese art over recent decades
  • Insights into Chinese contemporary artists as global citizens creating art for an international market
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Learn Talks Antiquities Asia Contemporary International A Fairy Tale in Red Times Terracotta Warriors & Cai Guo-Qiang Turning Points