Description

The event was held at the embassy on 16. December 2014, and entitled 中国当代艺术与社会批评座谈会 (Art and Social Critique in Contemporary China). It was held entirely in Chinese and endeavoured to provide a platform for the discussion of politically sensitive topics for the local art community, which would not be monitored by the state (though they were taking photographs of all who entered). Speakers included Ai Weiwei 艾未未, Mo Yi 莫毅, the critic and curator Zhu Qi 朱其, and artist Du Xia 杜峡, with the event moderated by artist Luo Jie 罗杰. (the latter three of whom represent the Chinese Independent Artists Alliance 中国独立艺术家联盟). Zhu Qi wrote the attached response to the event, which was published and circulated online via we chat before it was removed by the authorities. I was admittedly rather upset that the CIAA effectively claimed that this was their first group exhibition, as that was not the case, and they effectively railroaded my event and claimed that their coordinator 何锐 (Corey Willis), who is now a friend and fellow Canadian, was its curator – he’s an MA student at 北京师范大学 and also works for the group. In any case, it went well, and we had quite a large turnout.