Transformation: A View on Chinese Contemporary Art

İstanbul Modern presents contemporary examples of Chinese art in the exhibition "Transformation: A View on Chinese Contemporary Art". Running from September 21–November 25, the exhibition celebrates the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Turkey. The exhibition reinterprets traditional Chinese culture and philosophy through the use of contemporary techniques, new discoveries, and ground-breaking approaches.

Traditional Chinese culture tolerantly accepts external changes while adhering to the pursuit of internal independence and values. It also embraces unique perspectiveson nature and philosophy, and when these collide with contemporary reality there arises a vivid and innovative synergy and an exciting creative force. So, how do contemporary Chinese artists conceive art? How do their creative works reflect the Chinese culture? How do they expect to inspire the world?

The exhibition at İstanbul Modern revolves around the theme of “inner and outer transformation”, a carefully balanced dynamic that focuses on the internal exploration and external application of traditional Chinese values in today’s world.

Organized as part of the 2012 Chinese Cultural Year in Turkey, the exhibition is supported by the Ministry of Culture of China, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, and the Embassy of China in Turkey. The collaboration between the China International Exhibition Agency of China Arts,the Entertainment Group, and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art presents an opportunity to extend the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries.This special celebration of 40 years of diplomatic relations between China and Turkey will be followed by an exhibition of İstanbul Modern’s collection in Shanghai in 2013.

Artists: Cao Jigang, Chen Xi, Ding Yi, Gao Rong, Feng Mengbo, Liu Jianhua, Liu Liyun, Liu Xiaodong, Miao Xiaochun, Qin Yufen, Rong Rong&inri, Wang Dongling, Xu Bing, Yang Fudong, Zhan Wang

Curator: Sun Feng