3.2 The '85 New Wave and Experimental Art

The '85 New Wave marked a turning point in Chinese art after the Cultural Revolution. Artists embraced experimentation, blending Western influences with Chinese traditions. This movement rejected socialist realism, exploring diverse media and pushing artistic boundaries.

Key exhibitions like the 1985 New Space Exhibition showcased avant-garde works by artists like Xu Bing and Wang Guangyi. These artists pioneered new techniques, incorporating unconventional materials and performance art to challenge artistic norms and spark social commentary.

Emergence of the '85 New Wave

Post-Cultural Revolution Context

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• The '85 New Wave, also known as the '85 Movement, was a groundbreaking avant-garde art movement that emerged in China in the mid-1980s, following the end of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) and the implementation of Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms
• The movement was characterized by a spirit of experimentation, individualism, and a rejection of the strict artistic guidelines imposed during the Cultural Revolution, which had emphasized socialist realism and political propaganda
• The '85 New Wave was influenced by Western art movements (Surrealism, Dadaism, and Pop Art), as well as by Chinese traditional art forms and philosophies, resulting in a unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic sensibilities
• The movement's emergence was facilitated by the loosening of political control and the opening up of China to the outside world, which allowed for greater cultural exchange and exposure to international art trends

Key Exhibitions and Artists

• Key exhibitions and events that marked the emergence of the '85 New Wave include the "1985 New Space Exhibition" in Hangzhou, the "1986 New Art Movement Exhibition" in Hefei, and the "China/Avant-Garde Exhibition" in Beijing in 1989
• These exhibitions showcased the works of emerging avant-garde artists and helped to establish the '85 New Wave as a significant force in the Chinese art world
• Notable artists associated with the '85 New Wave include Xu Bing, Gu Wenda, Wu Shanzhuan, Huang Yong Ping, and Wang Guangyi, among others
• These artists were at the forefront of the movement, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging the established norms of Chinese art

Experimental Art Practices of the '85 New Wave

Diverse Media and Techniques

• '85 New Wave artists experimented with a wide range of media and techniques, including painting, sculpture, installation art, performance art, and conceptual art, often blurring the boundaries between different artistic disciplines
• Many artists incorporated unconventional materials and found objects in their works (industrial debris, daily-use items, and organic matter), challenging traditional notions of art and its materials
• The use of photography and video art emerged as important media during the '85 New Wave, allowing artists to document their performances, capture ephemeral moments, and experiment with new forms of visual storytelling
• This diversity of media and techniques reflected the movement's spirit of experimentation and its rejection of the rigid artistic conventions of the past

Conceptual and Performative Approaches

• Performance art and site-specific installations played a significant role in the '85 New Wave, with artists using their bodies and the environment as a means of artistic expression and social commentary
• Artists often employed text, symbols, and wordplay in their works, exploring the relationship between language, meaning, and visual representation, as exemplified by Xu Bing's "Book from the Sky" and Wu Shanzhuan's "Red Humor" series
• These conceptual and performative approaches challenged the traditional understanding of art as a purely visual medium and emphasized the importance of ideas, actions, and audience engagement
• By incorporating elements of performance and conceptual art, '85 New Wave artists sought to create more immersive and thought-provoking experiences for their audiences

Impact of the '85 New Wave on Contemporary Art

Artistic Freedom and Diversity

• The '85 New Wave played a crucial role in the development of contemporary Chinese art by introducing avant-garde and experimental practices, challenging the established artistic norms, and paving the way for greater artistic freedom and diversity
• The movement's emphasis on individualism and self-expression helped to foster a new generation of Chinese artists who were more willing to take risks, question authority, and explore taboo subjects in their works
• This newfound artistic freedom allowed for a greater diversity of styles, themes, and approaches in Chinese contemporary art, as artists were no longer confined by the strict guidelines of the past

Global Recognition and Exchange

• The '85 New Wave's engagement with Western art movements and philosophies facilitated a broader cultural exchange between China and the international art world, leading to increased global recognition and opportunities for Chinese artists
• As Chinese contemporary art gained more international exposure, it began to be featured in major exhibitions, biennales, and art fairs around the world, helping to establish China as a significant player in the global art scene
• This increased global recognition also led to more opportunities for Chinese artists to study, work, and exhibit abroad, further enriching the cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world

Legacy and Influence

• The experimental spirit and innovative approaches of the '85 New Wave have continued to influence subsequent generations of Chinese artists, who have further expanded the boundaries of contemporary art practice and discourse in China
• Many of the key figures and works of the '85 New Wave are now recognized as seminal contributions to the history of Chinese contemporary art, and their legacy continues to inspire and inform new generations of artists
• Despite facing censorship and political challenges, the '85 New Wave's impact on the development of Chinese contemporary art remains significant, as it laid the foundation for a more diverse, experimental, and globally engaged art scene in China