The 5th National Art Institutes and Academics Biennale for Outstanding Public Visual Artwork of Graduates and Undergraduates

Project Introduction

As a city valuing its image and emphasizing culturally appealing public spaces, since Opening and Reform, Shanghai has been a leader of public art among all cities in China, in terms of art standards, installed pieces and the degree to which they constitute an integral element of where they situate. In 2010, the Office of Shanghai Urban Sculptures Committee and People’s Government of Putuo District, Shanghai added a new splendor to this tradition, that is, Graduates and Undergraduates’ Outstanding Visual Public Artwork Exhibition of National Art, which is held every two years. What sets it apart from peers is its comprehensive integration of formal education and genuine practice in a variety of levels. Furthermore, the participating students are tutored as they produce their works by curators who offer inspirations and solutions according to the theme of that year. The exhibition has established a nationwide supportive platform for students with excellent arts to show. Since the fourth biennale, retaining its public, artistic and academic nature, government commissions have entered the picture so that the works have the chance to become a permanent part of Shanghai. Now it has been an important urban cultural identity, and an established public art exhibition for graduates and undergraduates across this country, whose influence has extended well beyond the boundary of China. The existing successes promise its progress into Graduates and Undergraduates’ Outstanding Visual Public Artwork Exhibition of Global Art after a few more events.

Curatorial Concept

The Graduates and Undergraduates’ Outstanding Visual Public Artwork Exhibition of National Art aims to build a nationwide showcase for excellent visual public artworks, featuring a new theme in each of its event. Among the visual representations of public artworks across the country exhibited in Shanghai, the most gifted pieces will be placed in various urban public spaces as permanent installments. The prized works are designed to be innovative visual focal points and promote the aesthetic appeal of the public spaces. By integrating youthful art dreams with real demands of municipality, urban public spaces with artworks of college students, the event presents Shanghai as a unique city with a forward-looking vision of art and global inclusiveness.

Theme Interpretation

Since 2000, sculptures produced by young artists, art students included, have aroused significant public attention. Graduation works are one of the most important weathervanes among the sculpture circle, and form the grandest sculpture gala of each year. Sculptures created by young artists have developed into an unneglectable and powerful youth trend that dictates what sculptures are today and where they are heading. The prosperity of sculpture world is determined by its youngest members. Aiming to promote creation of young artists and focusing on their development, the Graduates and Undergraduates’ Outstanding Visual Public Artwork Exhibition of National Art plays a major part in forming this “youth trend”.
The “youth trend” is by no means accidental. It reflects a major transformation of contemporary art scenarios and fundamental landscape of sculpture as an industry.
The Internet era has changed the way that information is communicated, and “matrixized” the way that art, especially sculpture, news travels, which used to be “linear”. Now that students are empowered with new channels and modes to receive messages, their creative efforts enjoy broader vision and an enrich library of reference.
Young sculpturists are particularly sensitive to learn and command new concepts, materials and techniques. Their creative activities and mindsets are more liberal. These factors all undergird and promote innovativeness.
Another beneficial factor contributing to this youth trend is the general public’s appreciation and support, including education reform, media coverage, regularized exhibitions, and even an emerging market. All these elements help create a youth-friendly atmosphere.
Despite its advantage as a new movement, the youth trend needs to confront the society, the history of art. It needs accumulation, adjustment and enhancement. Thus the biennale shoulders a dual mission as a showcase and a place for self-promotion. That’s how this exhibition stands out from all others of the same category in China, where its uniqueness lies, and what we are determined to carry on.

Events

Date of Exhibition: Theme show: August 21, 2017 - September 18, 2017
Pilot show: December 23, 2017 - January 22, 2018
Symposium: December 23, 2017
Press conference: December 23, 2017
Opening ceremony: December 23, 2017
Curator tour: December 23, 2017