Gu Wenda is a forefather of Chinese contemporary art.
Beginning as a Red Guard creating large character posters, he transitioned into landscape painting before entering the budding contemporary Chinese art world of the 1980s. Gu moved to the United States at the age of 32, in 1987, and has held art displays in countries across the world, many notable for working with human hair.
Thirty years after trouble with authorities suspicious of his made-up Chinese character art installation, a similar piece of art will be displayed on the Ping An building during a September opening ceremony.
That’s talked to him about the direction of contemporary art in China and his upcoming Shenzhen performance on September 24, which will involve 1,500 students using algae – some of it treated and some of it taken from polluted water – to paint a 1,500 square meter landscape near the Convention and Exhibition Center.
Can you tell us about your upcoming project in Shenzhen? What’s the message?
We will use algae water to paint a giant landscape to symbolize environmental issues. I’ll work with 1,500 school kids. This is not just a China issue, this is a global issue. I would like to make this a traveling show in the future. The Ping An corporation has a fund for charitable things and they will probably donate some money after the event to produce better water for schools.
A rendering of Gu Wenda's design that will be displayed on the Ping An building in September. The art is actually a combination of Chinese characters, creating characters that express meaning, but are not officially recognized.
The authorities were suspicious of your work in the 1980s, but this month some of it will be hung from the second tallest building in China. What has changed?
The government has become more tolerant and more supportive, but [contemporary art] is still not mainstream. They are more informed about contemporary art practices, especially since the open door policy of Deng Xiaoping.
[Chinese] art practices have changed also. During the ‘85 movement (an avant-garde art movement lasting 1985-89) the artists were more idealistic. The younger generation today are more focused on the market. They have shifted from an idealistic approach to marketing and self-promotion.
Artists–instead of challenging society–can be peacemakers. Instead of coming into conflict with society, they can direct something. They can have more of a function then just criticism that doesn't lead to change.
Many artists believe commerce and art should be kept separate, but, according to your press release, you think they are inseparable. Why?
Michelangelo and DaVinci were actually sponsored by the Church. Later sponsorship shifted to the noble class. Beethoven and Mozart, they were sponsored by royalty. I believe today the sponsors should be corporations. I think this is the general route of art development.
I also believe artists are responsible for their own finances. They need to make a living as responsible members of society.
Why Shenzhen? Why not New York or anywhere else?
China needs it more than the West. I want my creation to involve the kids and help grow the awareness of contemporary art in China.
After the performance (where the children paint a landscape) the paper will be collected and I will use the material to invent other art. I’d like to make a solo show. That’s my idea, to bring the environmental message to other places.
September 24; free. Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center.
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