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Chinese contemporary artists
by John Batten
at 12:15pm on 1st August 2008

Are many Chinese contemporary artists protecting themselves and their careers by taking a ‘hands-off’ approach to political controversy? Or, is this just a realistic assessment of the boundaries that art can navigate in a China that still has censorship? The recent exhibition at Times Square by Yue Minjun was controversial for many reasons – but read Yue Minjun’s statements about his art displayed during the Times Square exhibition? Is his statement a legitimate justification for what he does?

Front view of work

Front view of work with title

Side view of Yue MInjun work with artist statement

Statement by Yue Minjun (Chinese)

Statement by Yue Minjun (English)

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Index 10 comments in total

Superficial Analysis, 29th December 2008
from Paul Serfaty

Yue Minjun’s efforts to reflect the politics of his childhood are not only weak, as Simon Birch rightly says, but something of a disgrace. I suppose that is why his works are so successful as the superficial expression of a superficial analysis of China's most terrible period in modern time.

One should not criticise an artist for bringing a sense of fun to the world, but when the artist drifts into juvenile maunderings on serious political matters, it would be better if he had respected his own lack of capacity and simply said nothing. Warhol admitted that much of what he did was directed against the proposition that art should be significant, but he had the sense not to claim more than 15 minutes of fame.

Artists would do best to leave philosophy to the philosophers, and simply call the world as they see it. The art can do the talking - if it's any good.

cop out, 4th December 2008
from simon birch

chinese artists aren't obligated to be political commentators but it's kinda weak to talk about these issues and then let you know he doesn't really want to get involved or talk about them. 'my art is all about china's dramatic history in the 20th century but actually i think it was all pink and fluffy'. maybe he's just settling down on his millions and doesn't want any trouble....