Here and Now: Chinese Artists in New York October 31, 2009

This exhibition showcases twelve contemporary artists of Chinese heritage, who over the last two decades have established their careers in the global metropolis of New York. Presented in three consecutive chapters, 'Here & Now' examines the shifting relationship between the artist and tradition, the crossing of boundaries in a multicultural environment, and the reinvention of culture. 'Part I: Visual Memories' presents Chinese artists in New York who have connected anew with the artistic traditions of their homeland. Before their migration out of China, the four featured artists, Xu Bing, Yun-Fei Ji, Lin Yan and Cui Fei had very limited exposure to traditional Chinese art and culture. In fact, they were largely trained in Western art. Only when they were immersed in the Western art world and that of New York City in particular, did they begin their journey of reconnecting with a tradition they had once left behind, unexplored.