Materials of the future: Documenting Contemporary Chinese Art From 1980-1990

Wu Liang 2009-03-04
Shanghai Writers Association,
Shanghai

Conducted in Mandarin

“In the past, China was a country that lacked images. There were no images other than those of politics, slogans, catchphrases, leaders, workers, peasants and soldiers. Watching Antonioni’s film China, you see that all the clothes on the street are the same. Of course, from another perspective, you could say that society was so pure and simple back then. We’re all old hands, and you can’t say that there was nothing good in the past. Those were indeed simple times, but society on the whole was poor, closed off and oppressed. If you did or had something that was even a little bit different, you would be suppressed. That, I am clear about. There were so many family tragedies amongst my neighbours, really too much. We won’t forget. Memory cannot be erased.”

Biography:

Wu Liang (b. 1955, Shanghai) is an art and literary critic, and Chief Editor of Shanghai Culture (Shanghai wenhua).

In the 1980s, Wu was well known in literary circles for his biting commentary. In the 1990s, as he became increasingly drawn to art and artists, Wu turned his commentary towards the visual arts. Recently, he has resumed his interest in literature and cultural studies.

Some of his notable publications include Literature Selections (Wenxue de xuanze) (1985), Conversations between the Artist and a Friend (Yige yishujia yu youren de tanhua) (1987), Discovering Criticism (Piping de faxian) (1988), Autumn Monologue (Qiutian de dubai) (1988), Notes of a City (Chengshi biji) (1990) and The Past and the Dream (Wangshi yu mengxiang) (1991).

Wu Liang 2009-03-04 Shanghai Writers Association,Shanghai

Wu Liang 2009-03-04
Shanghai Writers Association,
Shanghai